Carolina Mejia vs Emily Clouse & The Public - Thurston County WA
“This is the reason that people of color are afraid to speak up and to confront because the only time people care to hear about our side of the story is when we are laying dead on the street.” - Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia
Carolina Mejia vs Emily Clouse & The Public
August 13th, 2024 Thurston County Commissioners voted to remove Commissioner Emily Clouse from her appointed boards and commissions after holding a secret closed door executive session.
August 20th, 2024 Commissioner Carolina Mejia said the following in response to public comment:
“Before we move forward I have a statement to make.
So, in response to some of the statements that have been made here in response to Commissioner Clouse, I just want to say that first of all, I am so disappointed and incredibly frustrated.
These past three weeks have been a waste of government resources, taxpayer money, and a huge emotional burden.
I am disappointed because I have seen what I myself have experienced and what other people of color experience over and over in these systems.
I have seen this situation play out a million times.
I myself have been scared to speak out because it’s easier to believe the white woman tears and easier to paint the narrative of an angry brown woman.
It’s easy for her to say that I don’t like her and for people to believe her than for people to know why I am keeping my distance and the way she has made me feel.
Commissioner Clouse has used her position of power and system and made it work for her.
This is the reason that people of color are afraid to speak up and to confront because the only time people care to hear about our side of the story is when we are laying dead on the street.
But, when it’s people trying to use the system to silence people of color we comfort them.
We support them.
None of you have even cared to think about the person who stepped forward is doing.
How they also deserve accountability.
How their mental, or emotional health is doing.
Before anyone says I’m making this a race issue, I am laying out the truth of my experience, and the experience of people of color.
And, how did your attorney put it?
‘Something that happens everyday in Americas workplace.’
This is not political vindictiveness.
I have nothing politically to gain from this.
And, honestly not what motivated me to run, or why I continue to serve.
I am holding Commissioner Clouse to the same standards of what I would expect from any elected official in this community if confronted with a complaint like this.
Thank you.
I will excuse myself for the rest of this meeting.”