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Flagstaff, Ariz. • The top two officials at Grand Canyon National Park are among those facing disciplinary action following a federal report that found they violated policies on reporting and investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the park's river district.
The National Park Service's Intermountain Region director, Sue Masica, declined Thursday to say what specific actions would be taken against Superintendent Dave Uberuaga, and his deputy, Diane Chalfant. The possibilities, in general, range from a warning letter, a reprimand, and suspension to termination, she said.
A complaint filed in 2014 by 13 former and current Grand Canyon employees prompted an investigation by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General. The complaint alleged a 15-year pattern of abuse in the river district on rafting trips led by the Park Service.
The report focused on allegations lodged against four male NPS employees who pressured female co-workers for sex, touched them inappropriately, made lewd comments and retaliated when they were rejected. It also found that disciplinary actions were inconsistent when it came to sexual harassment and that the Grand Canyon's chain of command failed to properly investigate or report allegations of misconduct — a violation of Interior Department policy.
Masica said Uberuaga and Chalfant are responsible for complying with that policy. She set a May 1 deadline for disciplinary action against them, but the results likely won't be revealed publicly because they are considered personnel matters, she said.
A boatman who propositioned women for sex remains employed at Grand Canyon but is restricted from participating on river trips. Masica said he would be disciplined as well.