I don't know what would happen-- but like you, I tend to be somewhat optimistic about the change in general attitudes. As a Texan who knows that at least some of what Tiger says is probably true, I found this story encouraging (it's on the talk shows this afternoon so I looked it up). The complaint was brought by the younger officers acording to the talk show host, and the public reaction strong enough to cause the chief's "retirement".
I believe the comment was something like, "No gook will ever work in a department of mine".
What is encouraging is that it was public pressure that caused this outcome, not a suit brought by the ACLU on behalf of the applicant.
Following his apology for making a racial slur about a job applicant, Farmers Branch Police Chief Jimmy Fawcett announced Tuesday he will retire effective immediately "to enhance the healing process."
Jimmy Fawcett Fawcett, a 32-year department veteran who has been chief for 15 years, was suspended on Jan. 5 after a complaint was filed with the city over remarks he made in front of six officers who had convened to interview job applicants. One of the applicants is Vietnamese-American, but neither he nor any of the other applicants were in the room when the comments were made on Dec. 14, city officials said.
Flanked by Mayor Bob Phelps and City Manager Linda Groomer, the chief mentioned his time spent serving in Vietnam 35 years ago.
"I inappropriately used slang terms from that era that were offensive, and unfortunately led some to believe that I have a bias against Vietnamese," Fawcett said. "Let me assure you right now that I have no bias against Vietnamese or any other ethnic group."
The chief's wife of 36 years is of Japanese descent, and they have four children.
He said accepts and respects the swift action that was taken.
"We have enjoyed a stellar reputation for years, and I will commit to restoring that," he said. "The men and women of the police department are professionals who have great pride in our profession, and none of us would ever tolerate discrimination of any kind."
Fawcett will remain on a professional services contract with the city for six months, but will have no direct police responsibilities. City officials said he will be paid $7,500 per month to complete work and documentation on projects in progress, including budgets and city gang prevention efforts.
"Our hope is that we are not judged by the mistakes we have made, but rather by how we are able to rise above them," he said.
Dallas Morning News staff writer Stephanie Sandoval contributed to this report. |
