TSA worker grabs Native American woman’s braids, yells ‘Giddyup’
A federal agency is apologizing to a Native American woman for its “mistake” when an agent grabbed the woman’s braids and yelled “Giddyup” while she was passing through a checkpoint.
The incident happened Jan. 13, according to Tara Houska, an attorney and indigenous rights activist. On social media, Houska said the offensive act happened at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Going through @TSA at @mspairport, the agent said she needed to pat down my braids. She pulled them behind my shoulders, laughed & said “giddyup!” as she snapped my braids like reins.
— tara houska (@zhaabowekwe) January 13, 2020
My hair is part of my spirit. I am a Native woman. I am angry, humiliated. Your “fun” hurt.
Houska was traveling back to Bemidji, Minnesota, after attending a climate change rally in Washington.
When I informed the middle-aged blonde woman who had casually used her authority to dehumanize and disrespect me, she said “Well it was just in fun, I’m sorry. Your hair is lovely.” <— that is NOT an apology and it is NOT okay.
— tara houska (@zhaabowekwe) January 13, 2020
The TSA also confirmed the incident.
Miigwech for uplifting this @kare11 & miigwech @TSA for being responsive & professional. My braids are not reins, I should be treated with dignity, as should everyone else.
— tara houska (@zhaabowekwe) January 15, 2020
Good resolution from a bad situation. We need more education & empathy for one another. #TeachingMoment https://t.co/uFRMvqtSY7
A Minnesota TSA manager is apologizing for what it calls a "mistake" and said the agency must learn from the incident, according to KARE.
“TSA Federal Security Director Cliff Van Leuven acknowledged a "mistake". "Did it actually happen? Yes. Exactly as described? Yes," he told TSA employees.”
— tara houska (@zhaabowekwe) January 16, 2020
It happened. It was humiliating. TSA apologized. I really, really hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else moving forward. https://t.co/LQPjXORld6
The TSA has launched an investigation into the incident and told Fox News the agency "holds its employees to the highest standards of professional conduct and any type of improper behavior is taken seriously."
