Conservative group YAL under fire over sexual harassment, assault accusations

AUSTIN, Tex. — If you happen to be active in conservative or Libertarian/libertarian circles, it’s possible you’ve heard of Young Americans for Liberty (YAL). However, there has been something off with the organization in the past few years. Take the most recent #YALtoo campaign against members of organizational leadership. Over the weekend, several former YAL volunteers would issue statements regarding prior interactions with leadership. Explicitly under fire are YAL President Cliff Maloney, Justin Greiss, and other members in leadership. One of the first to speak up was Addyson Garner, a former YAL volunteer. In a multi-part statement on Twitter Friday, Garner would list the instances where sexual assault, harassment, and rape were among the offenses from YAL leadership. Garner would also state that these offenses were often brushed away and ignored, gaslit, or led to the volunteer’s firing. One of these offenses surrounds Maloney using his YAL position to extort sexual favors from a now-former volunteer. Garner would also state an instance where a fellow state chair had groped her. When she was attempting to bring forth the issue to Maloney, he would end up blocking her with no appropriate response. As a follow-up, her husband Ben Arcuri would tweet to the organization, only to get blocked as well. Garner speaking out would fuel a fire over the weekend that calls YAL’s organizational standing into question.

#MeToo in the conservative “liberty” movement – only #YALtoo

Other current and former YAL volunteers would speak out, not only to support Garner but to reveal their own stories. Countless statements on Facebook and Twitter from women across the country would tell their stories regarding the actions of YAL leadership. As a result, an outpouring of support from the liberty community would come for those who were victims of creeps within the YAL organization. Following a highly questionable response from Maloney and YAL, political pundit Julie Borowski decided that she has had enough. “I looked into this,” Borowski states in a tweet Sunday. “Your sexually predatory behavior has been an open secret for a long time.”

More on the initial YAL response

The statement, written by co-founder and board chairman Jeff Frazee, brings into question whether the allegations will be taken seriously. “Recent social media posts attacking YAL…have been brought to my attention,” Frazee writes. While expressing great reluctance to addressing confidential HR matters in a public forum, Frazee states, “YAL takes any accusation of misconduct seriously.” “We urge anyone to come to us directly regarding any evidence of bad actors,” Frazee continues. “I would expect YAL to do the right thing.” However, there was much skepticism as to whether or not the organization will take the accusations seriously. Meanwhile, Maloney claims that the allegations towards him are false. However, Greiss has yet to make a public response regarding the allegations toward him.

Members of independent media speak out on the situation

Tyler O’Neil at PJ Media goes into further detail on the allegations that are on the table. Additionally, O’Neil would provide commentary on the matter. “As a fan and ally of the liberty movement, I find these allegations extremely troubling,” O’Neil writes. “Sexual assault is heinous, especially when men in power use that power to extort women into sexual favors.” “I have loudly denounced secretive liberal organizations facing such allegations and conservatives cannot show favoritism toward our own,” O’Neil continues. “YAL and Maloney need to address these specific allegations more seriously and explain their HR practices,” concludes O’Neil. “They are innocent until proven guilty, but these allegations carry a great deal of weight.” Editor’s Note: As an editorial note, I could not agree with O’Neil more. The allegations should seriously be in consideration and not brushed away. There should be a stringent investigation taking place. Therefore, a resolution regarding appropriate disciplinary action can be taken by the YAL Board.

Maloney, Greiss, key figures on administrative leave

Per several reports, key figures within YAL, including Maloney and Greiss, are on administrative leave Monday. This was a decision by the organization’s board of directors Monday night, as they prepare to hold an extensive investigation. Therefore, the board’s decision was announced in the form of a press release on social media. Christopher Maidment at InsideSources writes that the accusations would garner the attention of now-former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash. Amash would tweet on Sunday, supporting those making accusations. “At a minimum, any investigation should be conducted by persons independent of YAL,” Amash states. “Anyone accused of misconduct should be placed on administrative leave pending completion.” “It will be difficult to rebuild trust,” Amash continues. “But it will be impossible without a full and fair examination.” Several collegiate YAL chapters would speak out in demanding a thorough investigation. Some of these chapters would include the University of Tulsa, American University, and the University of New Hampshire. Other political figures, such as former Libertarian presidential hopeful Vermin Supreme, would speak out in favor of an investigation. Unfortunately, it will be a matter of time until any resolution will be in place for this investigation. This is a developing story. We will welcome anyone wishing to share their story as we await the outcome of the investigation. Contact me at jake.leonard@heartlandnewsfeed.com for an interview.

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