Is it sexual harassment? Social media reacts to Trent Franks resignation
It isn’t appropriate to ask your fellow co-workers if they’d be willing to have your child.
Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., learned that the hard way.
The lawmaker announced Thursday that he will resign from office following allegations that he asked two female staffer if they would serve as surrogate mothers for his child.
Franks, 60, and his wife of 37 years have struggled with infertility. The couple previously used a surrogate mother to conceive their twins.
In a statement, Franks said he never abused, intimidated or coerced any members of his congressional staff. However, he said he wants to “take full and personal responsibility for the ways I have broached a topic that, unbeknownst to me until very recently, made certain individuals uncomfortable.”
Full statement: https://t.co/Bw6C6d447h
— Rep. Trent Franks (@RepTrentFranks) December 8, 2017
Franks will resign from Congress Jan. 31, 2018. Check out what Twitter had to say about the matter.
Gotta update that company HR training to include "Don't ask subordinates for use of their uteresus to carry your child."
— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) December 8, 2017
I’m not understanding what Trent Franks did is sexual harassment? May be a little weird, but how is it harassment? Is there more to the story?
— DBZDoll (@DBZDoll) December 8, 2017
I feel sad for Trent Franks and his wife...I understand he made them feel uncomfortable but I can also see the desire for a child and desperation in his actions.
— Jeya (@JeyaJams) December 8, 2017
So funny to me that many people's first reaction to Trent Franks news is "must be more to it." There could be of course, but li'l HR tip: asking your female staff members if you can put a baby in them is NOT OK.
— Shannon Coulter (@shannoncoulter) December 8, 2017
Ryan Callihan: 941-745-7095, @RCCallihan
This story was originally published December 7, 2017 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Is it sexual harassment? Social media reacts to Trent Franks resignation."