Washington County Board of Commissioners chair Kathryn Harrington apologised after being filmed making an offensive hand gesture towards fellow commissioner Nafisa Fai during a public meeting in Oregon. Three commissioners have called for Harrington to resign and proposed restricting her meeting-related responsibilities, arguing that her conduct harmed colleagues and undermined public trust.

The proposed measures could be considered from 1 October and include removing Harrington from chairing meetings, limiting access to certain county facilities and employees, and reducing her compensation to insurance-related payments. Harrington’s term ends on 3 January, and she is not seeking re-election; she has stepped back temporarily while acknowledging that her behaviour was inappropriate. The incident follows earlier reports and investigations into allegations of unprofessional treatment of county staff, although previous investigators reportedly found no legal basis for harassment or discrimination.