© 2024 Public Radio Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2577

A listener-supported service of The University of Tulsa
classical 88.7 | public radio 89.5
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Oklahoma Lawmaker in Sexual Harassment Complaint Rescinds Resignation

State of Oklahoma-File Photo

An Oklahoma state representative who submitted a letter of resignation after it was revealed he was named in a sexual harassment complaint rescinded his resignation Wednesday.

"I have determined that my decision to resign was hasty and based upon bad advice," Republican Rep. Dan Kirby of Tulsa wrote to House Speaker Charles McCall. "Therefore, please accept this written notice that I rescind my notice of intent to resign."

Kirby also wrote that his resignation did not follow state law that requires it be made to the governor if the Legislature isn't in session. Kirby didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment Wednesday.

The law cited by Kirby says resignations by members of the Legislature should be made "to the presiding officers of their branches respectively, when in session, and when not in session, to the Governor; and when made to the presiding officer he shall at once notify the Governor thereof."

Gov. Mary Fallin's spokesman, Michael McNutt, said Wednesday that Fallin didn't receive a resignation letter from Kirby.

McCall's spokesman, Jason Sutton, said the speaker is not commenting at this time about Kirby wanting to rescind the resignation.

"We just got it and he has not had a chance to speak to Rep. Kirby yet," Sutton said.

Kirby sent McCall a resignation letter Friday, days after it was revealed he had been the subject of a sexual harassment complaint by a legislative assistant and a subsequent $44,500 settlement to the assistant.

The quietly arranged settlement, first reported by The Oklahoman, included a more than $28,000 payment to the woman and more than $16,000 to her attorneys. The payments were made Nov. 22.

Kirby's letter Friday came hours after attorneys for the Oklahoma House said the sexual harassment complaint against Kirby was settled without his knowledge or input and that there was no admission of wrongdoing. The attorneys added that the settlement was approved by then-House Speaker Jeff Hickman and House leaders.

Kirby now says he has no intention of resigning from the House District 75 seat he was re-elected to in November.

"I believe it is in the best interests of my constituents that I serve out the term that they graciously elected me to serve," Kirby wrote to McCall on Wednesday.