I, Amy Dahm, am writing this open letter to urge the State Department, Senate, and the White House to rescind the nomination of Mark Libby as an ambassadorial nominee to Azerbaijan. He sexually harassed me during my time working as his subordinate at the State Department. By allowing Mark Libby's nomination as ambassador to Azerbaijan to proceed without addressing these serious allegations without a complete investigation would send a message that sexual harassment can be swept under the rug without consequences.

This petition is personal to me because Mr. Libby inappropriately touched me in a secured area with no video or recording devices. After I did not accept his advance, he removed me from my position. He abused his power and made it safe for him to keep progressing in his career free from the discomfort of rejection or consequences. 

It is crucial for our most senior government officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect. Unfortunately, Mr. Libby revealed a disturbing lack of these qualities.

I reported Mr. Libby’s misconduct repeatedly over seven years to State Department officials. Only 22% of harassment complaints are investigated by State per the OIG Report, and mine was among those over 70% that remained uninvestigated for over 7 years until I brought my story to Congress.

After Mr. Libby continued to get promoted, I finally came forward to Congress with my story in Fall 2019. In 2021, the State Department finally opened an investigation and only interviewed one of my witnesses before closing the investigation.  I then took my complaint to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who interviewed four of my witnesses, found them credible, and advised the State Department to re-open its own investigation into Mr. Libby's misconduct. 

Shockingly, the White House re-nominated Mr. Libby January 2023 without the State Department having interviewed the witnesses or completed the investigation. Despite their own request going unheeded by State, the SFRC moved his nomination forward and granted a confirmation hearing June 2023. He is one step away from confirmation and awaiting the Senate vote. This blatant disregard for procedure and justice not only perpetuates a culture that tolerates sexual harassment but also undermines public trust in our government institutions and discourages victims from coming forward.

It is essential that we hold our ambassadors —and all senior government officials —accountable for their actions and ensure they embody values such as respect, equality, and professionalism, especially when representing our country abroad.

We call upon all concerned citizens who value transparency and accountability within our government institutions to support this petition by urging the State Department, Senate Foreign Relations Committee members, and White House officials rescind Mark Libby's nomination immediately.

Together we can make a difference by demanding justice for survivors of sexual harassment while ensuring that our ambassadors uphold the highest standards of conduct. Let us not allow this nomination to proceed without addressing the serious allegations against Mr. Libby and sending a clear message that sexual and other harassment will not be tolerated in any capacity within our government.

Thank you for your support in this crucial matter.

Amy Dahm