Schuyler County Sheriff must step down after "Fag Jew Boy" comment posted on Facebook
March 26, 2011 -The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA), an Illinois' statewide LGBTQ advocacy and political organization, is calling for the resignation of Schuyler County Sherriff Don Schieferdecker after it was reported that he posted a comment on Facebook that referred to a co-worker as a "little fag Jew boy."
"It is absolutely incomprehensible that an elected official would use such language to refer to a subordinate. I don't care if it was meant in jest or not. I don't care if he meant for everyone to see it or not. The fact is, the comment is now public and there should be consequences for statements such as this," stated Anthony Martinez, Executive Director of The Civil Rights Agenda. "Not only is this remark extremely hurtful to many Illinoisans, it sends a message to folks that it is okay to use such language. It sends the message that it is appropriate to mock Jewish people and people who are gay or part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community."
"There is no room for bigots in this state," said Lowell Jaffe, Political Director of The Civil Rights Agenda. "As a Jewish descendent and a member of the LGBT Community, this comment turns my stomach. The Sheriff is a very public figure and an elected official; he is a leader. His comments do not show leadership, they reek of discrimination and ignorance. Think of what this says to a child, especially a child who may be struggling with their sexual identity."
The Civil Rights Agenda is asking residents of Illinois, especially residents of Schuyler County, to contact the Sheriff and respectfully ask him to step down. Schuyler County Sheriff Don Schieferdecker can be reached at (217) 322-4366, or by email at schuylercoso@casscomm.com .
"We will be watching this very closely," said Anthony Martinez. "We will be contacting the elected officials in the area, and other organizations and groups within the state that will work with us to ensure that the Sheriff is held accountable for his discriminatory remarks."
About The Civil Rights Agenda
The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA) continues the fight for individual rights through coalition building and leadership, supporting communities with the necessary tools that will equip them with the resources and confidence to establish equality for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. To learn more, please visit us online at www.jointcra.org or contact us at info@jointcra.org .