From Iconic Kiss to Ironic Twist: VA's Anti-Hostility Effort Marred by Hostile Leadership
The memorandum advocating for the removal of the iconic photograph below was penned by Lelia Jackson, the Director of the Assault and Harassment Prevention Office within the Veterans Health…
The memorandum advocating for the removal of the iconic photograph below was penned by Lelia Jackson, the Director of the Assault and Harassment Prevention Office within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The decision to remove the photograph from VHA facilities was reversed by Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough, in response to significant backlash after the memorandum was made public online.
Ironically, Ms. Lelia Jackson authored this memorandum shortly after returning from a detail following an investigation into reports that she herself had fostered a hostile work environment for the staff she directly supervises. An employee in that office, who wishes to remain anonymous, commends the Secretary’s decision to retain the photo at VA facilities, asserting that “it remains an important part of American history and art, symbolizing the happiness and relief felt by Veterans at the end of World War II.”
The pressing question now is what steps the Department will take to address the hostile work environment within Ms. Jackson’s office?
Lelia Jackson’s Memorandum below directed all Veterans Health Administration facilities to remove this VJ-Day in Times Square photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt which is depicted above.
