Jo Ann Hardesty Says White Privilege Limiting City Hall Access

PORTLAND, OR – Jo Ann Hardesty is starting her third week as a member of the Portland City Council with some strong words for protesters who regularly disrupt council meetings. She says that "privilege, specifically white male privilege, is limiting the public's access to City Hall.

"These disruptions create a chilling effect on people who are unaccustomed to coming to City Hall to have their voices heard, People are afraid to bring their children to our important civic meetings."

Hardesty, who is the first woman of color ever elected to Portland city council and only the third black person, says the disruptions are caused "largely by a small group of white men who use their privilege to act" disruptive, disrespectful, and self-centered.

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While Portland city council meetings have been protest-magnets for years, the disruptions have increased in frequency and intensity over the past 15 months. Soon after Hardesty was sworn in, at her first meeting on Jan. 2, the meeting had to be adjourned twice while disruptive people were removed.

The city has tried to curb protests at certain times over the years.

A federal judge ruled in 2015 that a city policy of barring certain disruptive people for months at a time was unconstitutional.

"Many of the disruptors are people that I know personally and I respect their desire to be heard," she said. "I share their concerns and I, too, am passionate about many of the issues that they care about.

"However, their issues and concerns shouldn't drown out the voices of others who come to the building seeking the same access and opportunity."Hardesty adds that she find it "chilling and disrespectful that there are a few white men who think that everything the council does is about them.

"It isn't."

As Patch has documented, Portland has a long history of trumpeting what it sees as its open minded progressive outlook while still allowing racial insensitivity – and worse – to continue.

Hardesty says that things don't have to be this way..

She says she – and all city commissioners – want to hear from people about how to improve Portland and encourages them to come to city hall..

"However, if this is simply about having footage for your YouTube channel or Facebook page, you should be aware that using your privilege n this way cannot continue.

"You have a right to be have your voice heard, but not at the expense of other people."

She says that she would like to see "other white men and women" help keep "those who seek to drown out the voice of others" in check.

Hardesty's message received support at Wednesday morning's meetings from he fellow commissioners.

Photo via city of Portland.