We collectively abhor and are appalled by the recent comments racially attacking San Diego County Supervisor and Chairwoman Nora Vargas made by Brigette Browning, Secretary Treasurer of the San Diego and Imperial Valley Labor Council on April 30, 2024. Ms. Browning chose to engage in reprehensible behavior by spewing racist language to attack the first and only Latina elected to the county board of supervisors and the entire Latina community. As a labor leader, Browning holds a position of influence and power, and her actions reflect poorly not only on herself but on the entire community she represents. We call on her to resign immediately. 

Racism has no place in our society, especially not in positions of leadership. It undermines the principles of equality and justice that we strive to uphold. It is particularly distressing to see individuals who are supposed to advocate for the rights and well-being of others engaging in discriminatory behavior. 

The implication of Supervisor Vargas performing oral sex acts (“no mames Nora”) following the insinuation of a backroom deal with two male colleagues, is not only deeply offensive but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misogyny. Such remarks have no place in civil discourse and are an affront to the dignity of all individuals. It is absolutely deplorable. 
Nora Vargas, as the first Latina and immigrant to be elected to the county board of supervisors, even when we don’t agree, deserves respect offered through common decency, not racially charged and vulgar attacks. Many of us called on others in Los Angeles who made racist remarks in private. They were held responsible for their actions and we demand that Brigette Browning be similarly held accountable for her deeply offensive, hurtful and irresponsible attacks made in public. 

It is essential to recognize that at least half of California’s union members are women - Black women and Latinas, and the majority are workers of color, reflecting the diversity of California’s workforce. Half of union members work in the public sector. Browning's actions not only tarnish her reputation but also reflect poorly on the entire labor movement and its commitment to equity and inclusion of workers like those in our families. 

After she resigns, we urge Browning to engage in meaningful reflection and education on issues of race and discrimination. She must acknowledge her micro and macro aggressions, her unconscious biases, gaslighting, and get educated on what it means to be anti-racist, and pro-women. It is only through understanding and empathy that we can hope to build a more inclusive and equitable society. 

We must hold local racist leaders accountable to have credibility when we hold national racists accountable. The same people who denounce Trump’s rhetoric cannot use his playbook while we all watch in silence. We must not be silent.