WASHINGTON — The Philippines is condemning D.C. Councilmember Marion Barry for remarks critical of local hospitals for hiring Filipino nurses instead of District of Columbia residents.
Filipino Ambassador Jose Cuisia issued a statement Wednesday calling Barry’s comments “intolerant and narrow-minded.”
Barry said at a council hearing on Monday that many hospitals hire “immigrants who are nurses, particularly from the Philippines.” He said that instead, nursing schools in the district should be training local residents to work in the industry and address nursing shortages.
Cuisia says Barry’s “penchant for blaming Asians … fuels racism, discrimination and violence.”
Barry also drew attention this month for comments criticizing Asian-owned businesses. He later apologized.
No city officials have criticized Barry for the comment about nurses. The district has preferential hiring practices for local residents.
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