Jonesboro’s parks and recreation director has been suspended without pay for two weeks after posting what the city called a “racially insensitive” tweet, the mayor said Wednesday.
The tweet featured a group of people, including some who appear to be climbing a tractor-trailer, protesting against police brutality and states: “And they wonder why they are profiled. #idiots.”
The director, Wixson Huffstetler, apologized for posting the tweet and has been compliant with the disciplinary action being taken against him, according to a news release.
“I love my job serving all youth in Jonesboro’s parks and [recreation] department. And I hope to rebuild any lost confidence in me,” Huffstetler said in a statement.
Huffstetler is also required to attend sensitivity training classes, according to Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin.
Perrin said in a statement that the message Huffstetler posted to social media “contradicts what we stand for, which is a Jonesboro that serves all citizens equally.”
“We have reviewed, and are continuing to review, this situation,” he said.
Jonesboro's personnel conduct policy for city employees prohibits "conduct of any nature adversely affecting the city's best interests and reputation."
Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.