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Aug. 13, 2021, 2:09 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign

Summary

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday said he will resign after the state's attorney general last week released a scathing probe that found he sexually harassed at least 11 women. He will be replaced by Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who will become the first woman to lead the state. Jodi Kantor, of The New York Times, and Karen Dewitt, of New York State Public Radio, join William Brangham to discuss.

Five Facts

  • Who is Andrew Cuomo, and what position does he hold?
  • What is the reason Cuomo is resigning?
  • When is Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul expected to become governor?
  • Why is Cuomo resigning now?
  • How are attitudes towards sexual harassment changing, according to the journalists interviewed for this piece?

Focus Questions

  1. The governor claimed that the attorney general report on his actions was biased and unfair, and that he did not get to tell his side of the story. What do you think is the best way to fairly handle investigations into the alleged misdeeds of political leaders?
  2. Journalist Karen Dewitt says that there may be a "generational" gap in attitudes towards sexual harassment, with older Americans taking more of an attitude of "moving on." Do you think this generational gap in attitudes exists? If so, why do you think things have changed?
Media literacy: Who was interviewed for this piece, and why do you think they were chosen? Who else would you want to hear from to understand this resignation?

For More

  • Want to learn more about the #MeToo movement and changes in attitudes towards (and consequences for) sexual harassment in the workplace? Take a look at the Gender Equality case study of Journalism in Action , our site that explores journalism in American history.

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