An employee of the Kitchigami Regional Library System (KRLS) in Minnesota is facing serious allegations including racial and religious discrimination, sexual harassment, and wage discrimination. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 65 filed the complaint against tech services manager Tami Beto and library director Melissa Whatley. The union claims Beto has also engaged in intimidating behavior and brought firearms to the workplace, raising significant safety concerns.
The union’s allegations were detailed in a letter drafted by Troy Bauch, an AFSCME Council 65 field director. This letter was presented to the KRLS Regional Board of Directors during a meeting on July 24, 2025, held in Pine River. The Bemidji Pioneer obtained this letter and additional information regarding the internal investigation into Beto’s conduct through a public data request.
According to Bauch’s letter, Beto has been with KRLS since 2018, initially serving as the Pine River regional branch manager before becoming tech services manager in March 2024. She was placed on administrative leave for over two months during the investigation, which concluded on June 26. Upon her return to work on July 7, Beto was assigned a remote position.
The letter outlines multiple allegations from KRLS employees, describing a workplace environment marked by intimidation and disrespect, which contradicts the library’s mission to provide a supportive atmosphere for staff and patrons. Specific incidents cited include racial harassment, discrimination against an employee’s Christian faith, and inappropriate comments made by Beto during a conference.
The investigation report indicated that Beto participated in mocking an employee’s father, a proud Marine Corps veteran, alongside other staff members. Instead of reprimanding them, Beto allegedly joined in the mockery. Additionally, Bauch’s letter states that Beto accused one employee of attempting to harm her with Chapstick, an allegation that further highlights the troubling dynamics within KRLS.
In another incident, Beto reportedly made a crude sexual remark about a coworker during a conference in Milwaukee, leading to discomfort among attendees. Bauch’s letter indicates that Beto has also engaged in wage discrimination by manipulating job postings and making promises regarding pay increases that were not fulfilled.
Concerns have also been raised regarding Beto’s alleged references to bringing firearms to the workplace. According to the letter, one employee reported to Whatley that Beto mentioned bringing a gun to work, yet no immediate action was taken to investigate these claims.
Bauch’s letter emphasizes that Beto’s continued employment poses a threat to workplace safety and undermines equity and accountability within the organization. It states, “These actions represent serious breaches of professional and ethical standards,” calling into question KRLS’s commitment to creating a safe environment.
The investigation conducted by attorney Tessa McEllistrem found many of the allegations unsubstantiated, attributing some disputes to personal conflicts rather than professional misconduct. McEllistrem recommended that Beto receive corrective training and a probationary period to improve her conduct. However, this conclusion disappointed many employees and union representatives who felt that the findings warranted stronger consequences.
KRLS board members were reportedly unaware of the internal investigation before receiving Bauch’s letter. Reactions among board members varied, with some expressing concerns about Beto’s behavior and others questioning the investigation’s integrity. Board member Joe Gould stated that he had called for Beto’s termination but felt the decision-making was influenced by legal advice rather than employee welfare.
In light of these allegations, AFSCME Council 65 is organizing petitions of no confidence against Beto and Whatley. As the situation unfolds, the library system faces increased scrutiny regarding its handling of employee misconduct and the broader implications for workplace culture and safety.
The KRLS board’s next steps will be crucial in addressing these serious allegations and ensuring that all employees can work in a respectful and safe environment.
