“Inherently discriminatory.”
That’s how the city of Charlotte described a Facebook post from former fire investigator Crystal Eschert, who was fired in the fall of 2014. In the post, she described someone as a “thug,” “worthless” and a “waste.” A year later, at least six other Fire Department employees faced accusations that they were posting racist memes and other offensive comments to social media. They remain on the job.
Eschert’s attorney says their fate supports her contention that Eschert was fired because she acted as a whistleblower when she told a City Council member that the Fire Department’s renovations of a new office were unsafe. She is suing the city. Some say Eschert’s case – as well as the other questionable posts – raise questions about whether the city is being equitable in enforcing its social media policy.
In December, an anonymous person sent the first of several emails to Charlotte’s City Council members, city manager, fire chief and other officials. The Observer also received a copy. The emails had screenshots of social media posts that appeared to come from firefighters.