UPDATE: Earlier today, it was unclear whether Mary Barra had recused herself from the upcoming National Women's History Museum awards ceremony or if museum officials had rescinded her invitation. Both General Motors and a museum spokesperson now say the decision was made by Barra and GM.
"Bottom line - we decided yesterday to not attend - given the distractions that looked like were developing - and therefore allow the event, and the other honorees, to move forward without any distractions," said GM spokesperson Patrick Morrissey.
Susan Murphy, a spokesperson for the National Women's History Museum says the museum's board of directors has not ruled out honoring Barra at a future date.
The mother of a 16-year-old girl killed by a faulty General Motors ignition switch said it was a "slap in the face" that the company's CEO was selected to receive a national award honoring the achievements of women.
Amid an outcry of protests from grieving family members and others, the National Women's History Museum now says it won't bestow CEO Mary Barra with that award Monday night.
Barra was scheduled to receive the Katharine Graham Living Legacy Award from the museum in Washington, DC. But Wednesday, museum officials said they would not give Barra the award as planned. It was not clear whether the museum had rescinded the invitation or if Barra had bowed out. It was also unknown whether the institution still intends to honor Barra at a later date.
The museum's board of directors was meeting Thursday morning, and members were not available for comment.
Family members of motorists killed by a defective GM ignition switch sent a letter to the museum protesting its decision to honor Barra earlier this week. The first-year CEO has been embroiled in the company's ongoing safety crisis, in which at least 32 motorists were killed while the company delayed in ordering a recall for 2.6 million affected vehicles.
Continue reading Amid protests, GM's Mary Barra steps back from award ceremony [UPDATE]
Amid protests, GM's Mary Barra steps back from award ceremony [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2014 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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