HOUSTON — A firefighter is under investigation and on administrative duty because of something posted on his personal Facebook page.
The post is set to a backdrop of an American flag and reads, “Proud Infidel. F*** Islam and F*** Muslims,” ABC13 reported.
“As soon as I was made aware of the situation, I adopted a complaint on the matter, launching an internal investigation,” Chief Terry Garrison said.
The City of Houston’s explicit social media policy extends to all of its employees, including 4,000 Houston Fire Department personnel.
“When you have a job, like as a fire(fighter), you can express yourself but you have to do it within reason,” said Joel Androphy, a legal analyst. “You cannot start criticizing people of other races (or religions), no matter how you may feel.”
“Our public servants don’t just protect one part of society. They protect all of us. They help all of us,” Council on American-Islamic Relations Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll said. “They work for all of us. And it’s very important for us to all feel comfortable dealing with people that have some authority over us.”
The city’s legal department is currently reviewing the case.