Clark To Bring Sexually Harassed Woman To State Of Union Address

For President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, Congresswoman Katherine Clark plans on bringing a special guest, hoping to spotlight sexual harassment as an economic issue.

Clark announced that her guest to the State of the Union is Anny Gonzalez, an airplane cleaner who endured persistent sexual harassment at her job, said Clark. Clark hopes Gonzalez’s story will spotlight sexual harassment as an economic issue, the #MeToo movement’s role in the service and hospitality industries, and the challenges workers face in coming forward, according to her announcement. Gonzalez will be seated in the U.S. House chamber gallery as President Trump delivers his State of the Union address.

“When the president looks up at our guests, I want him to see the face of a mom who was forced to decide between reporting abuse and making sure her daughter was fed,” said Clark in a statement. “Millions of women in the service industry contend with assault, harassment, and abuse from more powerful people because they feel like they have no other choice. The #MeToo movement has to be about creating a safe environment for victims to come forward, establishing accountability, and demanding action from our leaders, including our president.”

Photo via office of Congresswoman Clark