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San Diego Democrats for Equality call for Beiser's resignation amid sexual assault allegations

San Diego Union-Tribune - 3/19/2019

March 19-- Mar. 19--A prominent San Diego Democratic club has called for the resignation of San Diego Unified School Board Trustee Kevin Beiser, amid allegations Beiser committed sexual assault and sexually harassed a former political consultant.

"We are deeply disappointed and offended that any elected official -- especially a member of our LGBTQ community -- would behave and act so inappropriately in the manner alleged against Mr. Beiser," said the San Diego Democrats for Equality in a statement signed by President Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, who also is president of the San Diego County Democratic Party.

"The San Diego Democrats for Equality stand on the side of justice and support for those survivors and victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault. In light of these serious allegations, we will be bringing forth an emergency resolution calling for Mr. Beiser to resign."

The call for Beiser's resignation comes just a day after a lawsuit was filed by a former political consultant claiming that, over the course of five years, Beiser allegedly used his political influence and status to coerce the consultant into sexually abusive situations. The consultant is referred to as John Doe in the lawsuit.

Beiser is a middle school teacher who has been on the San Diego Unified School Board since 2010, recently serving as school board president. He is mounting a run for city council in 2020.

Beiser could not be reached for comment Monday evening and did not respond to telephone messages, emails or a knock at the door of his home by a Union-Tribune reporter Monday night.

The lawsuit alleges that Beiser first met Doe when Doe was a college student interested in pursuing a career in politics. It alleges that Beiser gave Doe jobs and helped him fundraise.

Doe's lawsuit said he believed the opportunities and Beiser's help were contingent on him submitting to Beiser's sexual conduct.

The San Diego Democrats for Equality is the largest membership-based Democratic club in the county. Founded 1975, the organization advocates for LGBTQ issues and has had several politically prominent members.

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