FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 8, 2011
The Board of Directors, TEA of Utah
Candice Metzler, President
Connie Anast, Treasurer
On Tuesday, March 29, 2011, a statement was issued from the Executive Director of TEA in relation to the incident at the Driver’s License Division Fairpark location. At the time of this statement, Executive and Assistant Directors of our organization were invited to view unedited, color digital videotape and released a statement, both in writing and in subsequent on-air interviews, stating that it appeared no evidence of direct policy violation or alleged discrimination was witnessed.
During the subsequent days after this release, further information, including the victim’s statement which was not available to us at the time, was brought to light which clarified the videotape and put the situation into context. While the policy may appear to have been adhered to in the strictest sense of the law, we do not advocate for the mistreatment in word or deed that may have occurred as a result of such a situation. Since the videotape did not have audio, it would have been impossible to hear the words of anyone involved. Our statement was premature and inaccurate.
On behalf of TEA of Utah, we offer our sincerest apology to Regina Raye and her advocate, Amber Anderton, for any missteps taken on behalf of our organization. It is never our intention to re-victimize a member of the Transgender community and we recognize how our statements may have been viewed as non-supportive. For that, we are deeply sorry. We apologize for both our actions and for making such a statement before all information was properly received and vetted. It is our sincere hope to have an opportunity to speak to both Regina and Amber in the future, at their discretion, to personally apologize, as well.
The TEA Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Executive Director, Christopher Scuderi and Assistant Director, Teinamarrie Scuderi. Connie Anast, Board Treasurer, has been named Interim Director and a search for new Executive Directors will begin immediately.
TEA of Utah could not be prouder of our Board President, Candice Metzler! She was awarded the 2011 Pete Suazo “Individual Advocacy through Education” Social Justice Award. She was presented with this amazing award on April 6, 2012 at the 11th Annual awards ceremony held at the University of Utah College of Social Work. She is in the company of other recipients Sim Gill, Salt Lake County District Attorney, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Neighborhood House.
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