Dear Mr. Speaker, Minority Leader Hummel, and Assistant Minority Leader McCann Beatty:

My name is Cora Faith Walker. I will be in the Capitol in January as the Representative of the 74th District.

Earlier this week, I reported a sexual assault to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. I named my rapist as Steven Roberts, Jr., who hopes to be in the Capitol next year as the Representative of the 77th District.

While I initially did so using the anonymity that state law correctly offers accusers as an option, I ultimately decided to press charges, in the interest of my own safety and the safety of others. Pressing charges and speaking publicly was, and is, a difficult decision. However, I am empowered by the support of my husband, my family, my friends, and by several of my future colleagues and former members. I specifically authorize you to name me and to tell people about this letter.

As you are aware, I am not the first woman to accuse Mr. Roberts of sexual assault.

You have spoken about systemic changes you hope to make toward improving the culture in the Capitol so that women can work safely. I commend and support the changes you have proposed. To that end, I ask that you do everything in your power to prevent Mr. Roberts from perpetrating sexual violence, sexual assault, or sexual harassment against me or anyone else in the Capitol. I respectfully request that you not allow Mr. Roberts to be sworn in until this investigation is complete. In the alternative, I ask that his presence in the Capitol be monitored by security.

Thank you for your time and effort on my behalf, and on behalf of everyone who demands safety for all in our Capitol and in our world.

Respectfully,

Cora Faith Walker

State Representative~Elect

House District 74