Interior Department Fires Four for ‘Inappropriate Behavior’

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Thursday said he’s fired four senior managers for “inappropriate behavior.” “I've already removed four senior leaders that were guilty of inappropriate behavior and I will remove 400 more if necessary. Intimidation, harassment, and discrimination is a cancer to any organization,” he said in a video posted on the agency’s website. No further details were provided on the behavior that prompted the dismissals, but Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift told ABC News the ousted employees had “abused their authority to intimidate or harass fellow employees,” including by engaging in “sexual harassment.” Disciplinary action has also been taken against several employees at Yellowstone National Park for alleged harassment, she said. The agency is just the latest to move against sexual harassment after the Harvey Weinstein scandal opened the floodgates in October. Since then, prominent lawmakers, media personalities, and celebrities have been ousted or stepped down amid sexual-misconduct claims.