TSA Apologizes After Agent Pulls Native American Woman’s Braids & Says ‘Giddyup’
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The federal Transportation Security Administration has issued an apology to a Native American woman after one of their agents located at Minneapolis-St Paul international airport “pulled her braids” and said “giddy up!” while doing a pat check.
“The agent said she needed to pat down my braids,” tweeted Tara Houska. “She pulled them behind my shoulders, laughed and said ‘giddyup!’ as she snapped my braids like reins. My hair is part of my spirit. I am a Native woman. I am angry, humiliated. Your ‘fun’ hurt.”
“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 OK,” added Houska.
Since the incident, TSA said they investigated and issued an apology. It’s not clear if the woman was disciplined.
“TSA holds its employees to the highest standards of professional conduct and any type of improper behavior is taken seriously,” the statement said.
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.
My hair is part of my spirit. I am a Native woman. I am angry, humiliated. Your “fun” hurt.
— tara houska (@zhaabowekwe) January 13, 2020