FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900

BROOKLYN, NY — NYC Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-Brooklyn) released the following statement after U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was accosted and called a sexist slur by Florida GOP Representative Ted Yoho on the steps of Capitol Hill.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“Every woman can recall a story where someone— a colleague, customer, or supervisor— made them feel belittled, ostracized, or threatened at work. Workplace harassment affects everyone, and we all have a collective responsibility to identify and eradicate it. I, myself have experienced misogynistic, toxic aggression from men in the workplace and my community, who, instead of celebrating my achievements and respecting my agility and passion to lead, preferred to defame my character and impose their fears and discomfort.

“The misogynistic and racist abuse Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endured in her workplace at the hands of her colleague Representative Ted Yoho must not be tolerated. As a fellow New York elected officials and a woman of color, I condemn Rep. Yoho’s blatant display of disrespect and abusive behavior.” 

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which is comprised of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.

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