The behavior of Houston Community College’s Board Chair has come under scrutiny following a trustee’s actions during this week’s meeting.
Charlene Ward Johnson, Trustee for HCC District II, caused disruptions during the meeting and was observed on the livestream taking a sip from a glass with what appeared to be a salt or sugar rim, while participating from an off-site location.
The meeting, marking the first regular session of the year, saw Johnson initially present at the Midtown campus before joining virtually after a closed session.
Prompted to turn on her camera, Johnson complied, seemingly forgetting about the livestream as she took a drink from her glass, drawing chuckles and gasps from those present.
In response to inquiries, Johnson stated that she was drinking lemonade. However, she did not respond to requests for further comment, and attempts to reach her at home were unsuccessful.
HCC released a statement attributed to Board Chair Cynthia Lenton-Gary, affirming that Johnson clarified the beverage as lemonade, and no contrary evidence was known. The board emphasizes its commitment to upholding ethical standards in all proceedings.
Notably, the Board’s Code of Conduct does not specifically address conduct during meetings.
Johnson has served as an HCC trustee since June 2022 and is currently a candidate for the state representative seat previously held by her ex-husband, Jarvis Johnson. Despite Jarvis Johnson’s candidacy for state senate, he has not endorsed his former spouse, according to a spokesperson.
