Bucks County YWCA honors Kathy Boockvar over objections of state lawmakers

The Bucks County YWCA is moving ahead with plans to honor former Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar, less than a year after she resigned from her position due to a critical error made on her watch and over objections from prominent members of the state House.

Boockvar resigned Feb. 5, after her office failed to properly advertise a constitutional amendment that would have allowed survivors of decades-old sexual abuse to sue the perpetrators and institutions that covered up the crimes. Advertisement is necessary before a question can be put before voters.

Related:Top Pa. election official to resign after agency bungled requirement for constitutional amendment

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle slammed the nonprofit organization's decision as one that disregards the sentiment of victims of child sexual abuse and their allies.

The YWCA, however, defended its decision, saying it was honoring Boockvar for her steady leadership during the chaotic 2020 election.

Blair County Rep. Jim Gregory, R–80, one of the prime sponsors of the amendment, said it was inconceivable how the organization could honor the former secretary. 

"Hearing of this dinner and honor, I immediately went back to Feb. 1 when I got a call from (Gov. Tom Wolf) at 10:10 p.m. when he notified me that (Boockvar) failed to notify the public about the amendment, and now victims had to wait two more years," Gregory said, noting that the governor was upset and had already accepted Boockvar's resignation by the time of that phone call. "I could hardly talk because I was incredibly devastated for the victims who waited 16 years and now have to wait two more years.

"That's why it is so important for that organization to acknowledge that honoring this person for advocacy rings hollow for the victims of child sexual abuse."

Gregory, along with fellow state Rep. Mark Rozzi, D–126, of Berks County, sent a letter to YWCA of Bucks County Executive Director Guillaume Stewart, requesting the organization reconsider its decision.

"Your decision to honor the person who resigned from her office under the weight of a mistake never before seen in the history of the Commonwealth is a slap in the face to those victims," read a portion of the joint letter. "These mistakes have affected thousands of victims of rape, molestation and abuse. The impact this has had on victims and their families has been extended by another two years as a result of Ms. Boockvar's documented mishandling of the amendment's advertising.

"I am asking for your organization to correct this wrong of honoring a person who has failed the very people your organization's members aim to protect and advocate for at a dinner honoring 'Women who Make a Difference.'"

The YWCA has a self-stated mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

In a statement responding to the legislators' letter, YWCA leadership said Boockvar was the Secretary of State of Pennsylvania "during a very difficult time in unchartered territory" when COVID struck, and is being honored for her contributions in "overseeing and implementing long-needed changes, unseen for over 80 years," where the election process was modernized to enable everyone to have a voice.

"There is no one more deserving than Kathy Boockvar and the YWCA stands by their decision. When you go to vote or if you were fortunate to be able to vote in the safety and comfort of your home, please remember the contributions Kathy Boockvar made and celebrate and thank her for her passionate dedication to make all elections fair," read the YWCA's statement. "When her office made an unfortunate human error in failing to advertise in time House Bill 951, Kathy Boockvar did not pass blame, was not forced out of office, but stepped up and resigned and took responsibility for her staff's mistake.

"This is what the YWCA encourages all leaders to do as this organization strives to empower women and children to make the right choices and to accept responsibility. Kathy Boockvar was devastated as a supporter of victims to have this happen and believes House Bill 951 should be passed as soon as possible."

Boockvar, a Bucks County resident, was one of 14 women to be honored at the "Women Who Make a Difference" awards dinner Thursday. 

YWCA honors:14 women who are making a difference in Bucks County

State Rep. Frank Farry, R–142, of Langhorne, said Gregory and Rozzi are "being reasonable in expressing their concerns to the YWCA," and that the pair have the support of colleagues in Harrisburg.

"The error that happened that prevented and delayed justice is pretty significant," Farry said. "For victims being on the cusp of opportunity (for justice) and then to have that taken away from them, I certainly understand their concerns. They speak from the heart and are the voices of victims across Pennsylvania. 

"Their concerns aren't to be taken lightly, and I think they should be given serious consideration."

Gregory and Farry acknowledged that there isn't much they can do at this point to change the event, and believe this situation puts a pall over the entire ceremony.

The lawmakers were sympathetic to that point, and didn't want to do anything further that would cause discomfort for the other honorees.

They had hoped, however, that Boockvar would excuse herself from the ceremony, to make things easier on the organization and other awardees. All indications are, however, that the YWCA is standing firm and Boockvar was to appear at the dinner.

"My last words to them was that this is akin to spitting in our faces and ignoring the reasons we are telling you why she shouldn't be honored," Gregory said. "We had the conversation, and they have no intention on changing their mind.

"This is a hollow honor," Gregory added. "I think the atmosphere will feel awkward for people in attendance and the other recipients as well. They are going to know that this doesn't look or feel right."