Following is a statement from Stark & Stark Shareholder Benjamin E. Widener upon New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation.

STATEMENT FROM BENJAMIN E. WIDENER, SHAREHOLDER, STARK & STARK (Lawrenceville, NJ):
“With the news of Governor Cuomo’s resignation given the outcome of the New York Attorney General’s investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, we must reemphasize how important it is for businesses to have anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and grievance procedures in the workplace. Employers should continue to ensure these policies and procedures are properly implemented and adhered to, while also providing anti-harassment training and education for all employees. Governor Cuomo’s resignation also serves as a reminder that these policies and procedures apply at even the highest level(s) of any organization. If an internal complaint or grievance relating to harassment or discrimination is reported to an organization, an internal investigation should be conducted promptly, and appropriate corrective, remedial or disciplinary action should be meted out if there is a finding of misconduct. Here, given the investigator’s findings that Governor Cuomo engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment and that he created a hostile work environment for women, his resignation seems necessary and appropriate.”