CHICAGO (TIP): Indian American Congressman from Illinois Raja Krishnamoorthi on June 17 convened a meeting with community leaders and three senior TSA officials visiting from Washington, DC to discuss best practices for improving relations between TSA officers and the general public. The Congressman was joined by TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Patty Cogswell, Assistant Administrator for Civil Rights and Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement Christine Griggs, and Legislative Director Clint Fisher, along with leaders from more than a dozen civil rights organizations including: the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago, ACLU of Illinois, Anti-Defamation League, CAIR-Chicago, Catholic Charities, HANA Center, Latino Policy Forum, MALDEF, NAACP, Partners for Our Communities, and United for Peace.
Topics of discussion included diversity and cultural sensitivity training for TSA officers, perceptions regarding discrimination in the TSA screening process, and the use of facial recognition technology by the TSA and at airports generally. At the close of the session, TSA officials and community leaders committed to an ongoing discussion on these matters, particularly as they relate to local practices at Chicago O’Hare Airport.
“I’m glad we were able to have such an open, productive discussion for TSA leaders to gain a better understanding of the concerns of the community,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “I look forward to working with our community leaders to continue the work we started today so that so that the TSA and all federal agencies can work better on behalf of the people of the 8th district and all Americans.”