A board member for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) was censured by colleagues last week for using a racial slur when referring to the district’s Arab American Chief of Staff.
John Morris has represented the City of San Marino on MWD’s Board of Directors since 1990.
In late 2023, MWD Chief of Staff Mohsen Mortada, a Syrian American, says he overheard Morris refer to him as a “camel jockey.” An investigation was carried out by the district. That review recently concluded that Morris had in fact used the slur.
In addition to the formal censure, MWD will no longer fund Morris’ travel, and he will not be permitted to represent MWD at events. He has also been recused from any deliberations involving former MWD general manager Adel Hagekhalil, who has been accused of harassment.
Morris is not accused of making any remarks about Hagekhalil. However, the former MWD head has said he was also a victim of anti-Arab sentiment and Islamophobia at the agency.
The City of San Marino issued the following statement regarding Morris’ censure:
The City of San Marino strongly condemns the use of racially motivated speech and biases against any individual anywhere at any time. San Marino prides itself on being a safe place for individuals of all racial backgrounds and does not tolerate hate speech of any kind.
In light of the allegations against City representative Mr. John Morris, and the sanctions issued by the Metropolitan Water District Board of Directors against him, the San Marino City Council will consider and take the appropriate course of action as soon as possible. Mr. Morris is a volunteer appointed to serve at the will of the City Council as the City’s Metropolitan Water District Director, he is not a City employee.