The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA), an Illinois' statewide LGBTQ advocacy and political organization, is calling for the resignation of Schuyler County Sheriff 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," according to an organizational press release.
"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 TCRA. "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 LGBT community."
"There is no room for bigots in this state," said Lowell Jaffe, TCRA political director. "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."
TCRA has asked 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 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."
According to AOL News, Schieferdecker made the comment under a Facebook photo of a boy with his mouth open. Someone posted, "Look, I found a fag," to which the sheriff replied (in a post that has been removed), "Yup and his mouth is open, his glasses are off, he's ready, little fag Jew boy."
Schieferdecker has apologized for his remarks, saying, "I am extremely sorry. I have spent over 30 years of my life here giving public service, and I have never intentionally done anything to hurt anyone for any reason. ... All I can do is say I am sorry. ... I am extremely sorry [and] I beg people's forgiveness."
Schulyer County is located in west-central Illinois, about 240 miles southwest of Chicago. Its county seat is Rushville.
