District implementing systemic changes; 42 employees facing consequences, to date. On Monday, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly announced he has taken disciplinary action against 41 employees in the Beaches and Pools Unit, including two high-level management staff. The Assistant Director of Recreation and Beaches and Pools Manager were recently placed on emergency suspension pending the outcome of the Office of Inspector General’s investigation of misconduct and abuse within the department.  Kelly also announced the creation of a new Office of Protection, an independent office focused on safeguarding District employees and patrons.

Of these 42 cases, nine are directly related to the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) ongoing investigation of sexual misconduct and abuse within the unit. The remaining violations are unrelated to the investigation and being handled through the District’s normal disciplinary procedures. The new Office of Protection will serve as an intake point for verification, assessment and assignment of complaints and concerns related to harassment, bullying and workplace hostilities. The new office will come on board in January 2022 and bridge the District’s Law, Human Resources and user departments with the OIG.

To date, 18 employees have received written reprimands, nine were suspended, seven remain on emergency suspension pending the outcome of the OIG investigation and six employees resigned and were placed on the Do Not Hire list, excluding them from future employment with the Park District. Additionally, two employees were terminated and are also excluded from future employment with the District. The Superintendent and his executive staff will utilize those recommendations and implement institutional changes, including the framework for the new, independent office focused on protecting District employees and patrons.