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The president and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce apologized publicly for posting a photo on Instagram posing with two white girls – minors whose ages are unconfirmed – wearing Native American headdresses.
The photo has since been taken down from Suzanne Clark’s Instagram account. The Chamber told Politico that the two girls wearing the offending garments in the photo are minors – their ages and their relation to Clark are unclear.
Noting that Politico Influence had contacted her office about the photo, intending to run a story, Suzanne Clark sent a forewarning email to staff, which was posted to Twitter along with the offending photo by a reporter for The Intercept.
‘I wanted you to hear this from me first,’ she wrote.
‘During my vacation, a DJ came to the dance floor and put various types of headwear, including headdresses, of some of the other people in my group.’
Susan Clark (center), the president and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, posted a photo on Instagram posing with two white girls wearing Native American headdresses. The Chamber of Commerce told Politico that the girls were minors – their relationship to Clark is unclear
Suzanne Clark, pictured, was named the executive vice president of the US Chamber in 2014, and was appointed as the body’s first female president in its 107-year history in 2019. She said the offending photo was a ‘momentary lapse in judgement’
‘While they were only worn for the seconds it takes to snap and post a photo, it was wrong to don those headdresses, which hold deep meaning for Native Americans,” Clark admitted.
‘All of this was a mistake, and I am deeply sorry. As the leader of this organization, it is my highest responsibility to be intentional in how I represent our members, our work and this team.’
‘This is a reminder to me that even momentary lapses in judgement can be harmful.’
Clark sent a forewarning email to her staff about the photo after Politico Influence reached out to her for comment, writing that ‘all of this was a mistake’
Clarkewas appointed CEO in March of this year, succeeding Tom Donohue (left), who led the organization for 24 years
The US Chamber of Commerce has not responded to DailyMail.com’s requests for comment.
On social media, users lambasted the CEO for her thoughtless decision.
‘It is NEVER okay to support the wearing of sacred wear that holds a special purpose and meaning for a culture and history you have limited to no understanding about,’ tweeted @oneandonlyenha.
‘Disgusting, Suzanne Clark President of US Chamber of Commerce. Get educated.
‘This is Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, the most powerful Big Tech front group in the country,’ wrote @fightmonopolies.
‘This is who @Google, @Facebook and @Amazon point to for lobbying in Washington.’
Clark was named the executive vice president of the US Chamber in 2014, and was appointed as the body’s first female president in its 107-year history in 2019.
She was appointed CEO in March of this year, succeeding Tom Donohue, who led the organization for 24 years. She initially began her tenure with the Chamber as Donohue’s top aide in 1997.
Source: dailymail
