State Dept. watchdog report downplays allegations of racist and sexist comments by Woody Johnson but calls for further review

Washington (CNN)A State Department watchdog report on the American Embassy in London and the wider US diplomatic mission to the United Kingdom downplayed allegations that Ambassador Robert “Woody” Johnson made racist and sexist comments to staff, but states his management style had a “negative effect” on the morale of some staff and notes that “a more thorough review by the Department is warranted.”

The State Department disagreed with the call for an additional review of his “compliance with Department Equal Employment Opportunity or leadership policies” and proposed broader training for staff — an alternate proposal that was rejected by the watchdog.

“The recommendation can be closed when (the Office of Inspector General) receives and accepts documentation that the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs has met its obligations under (the department’s discriminatory harassment policy),” the report states. Continue reading.