"It's disgusting:" Racine bishop under fire for posting offensive photos to Facebook
RACINE -- Watch what you put on Facebook. That's the lesson as a public official in Racine has been asked to explain some of his rants on social media.
**WARNING: Images within this story may be offensive**
"It's disgusting," said Matthew Snorek of Racine.
Photos posted to Facebook are the reason Racine Bishop Mark Freeman has come under fire: The Statue of Liberty hanging a slave from a noose. A post discouraging children from pledging allegiance to the United States -- and other images too graphic to share.
PHOTO GALLERY
Some are calling the postings anti-police.
"When you're in a city position, you cannot be posting pictures like this. The whole community is in fear as it is, so for a city official to be posting things like this which starts fires instead of extinguishing them is causing a huge problem," said Vicky Whiting of Racine.
Bishop Freeman was recently appointed to the Racine Police and Fire Commission by Mayor John Dickert.
Racine Police Department
"Bishop Freeman said he was willing to work with us to start fixing some of the problems in the community and that's what I was hoping for him to do and I'm expecting him to do," said Dickert.
Dickert says the police chief brought Bishop Freeman's social media posts to his attention.
"While I may find the Facebook posts or whatever you may call them offensive, people still have a First Amendment right," said Dickert.
"I am a strong advocate for the First Amendment. I believe in our Constitution. However, when you're in a position where you're supposed to be neutral you cannot be posting pictures like this," said Whiting.
Dickert says his office is looking into the matter, but he can't do much because there has not been an official complaint filed with the Police and Fire Commission.
Mayor John Dickert
"He was very apologetic. He doesn't want the city to be put in harm's way whatsoever," said Dickert.
Dickert says he appointed Freeman to the commission because he's a passionate man who's concerned about African-American issues in the community.
Officials with the Racine Police Department had no comment -- nor did those with the police union.
Bishop Freeman issued this statement to FOX6 News:
"As a pastor and episcopate I am always deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of the parishioners and community I am called to serve. Moreover, I am disheartened and disgusted that someone would be so callus and reckless as to try to create an environment where innocent people could potentially be put in harm’s way, as a result of some misguided soul acting out of rage and anger. It was not so long ago colleagues and friends of the Sikh Temple faith community were the victims of such hostility and violence. Who could forget the nine lives lost after a prayer and bible study gathering, as the result of again, misguided vitriol? Our nation is in peril, however, there are difficult conversations that must be had and compassionate work to be done in order for genuine healing to occur.
To that end, after prayerful reflection, meditation and consultation, I have decided to remain in my post as a Police and Fire Commissioner and to serve out the duration of my commission.
I fully intend to discharge the duties of that office with the highest of integrity, fairness and without bias. I am profoundly honored and humbled you identified characteristics in me which gave you the tacit assurance my service would help to continue to build the great city of Racine and its residence. Thank you again Mr. Mayor for a tremendous opportunity to serve.
In HIS Service,
Bishop Mark Freeman
Commissioner
The Racine Police Association and Staff Officers Association issued the following statement in response to the controversial expressions of Bishop Freeman:
"The freedom to express diverse views is fundamental to our democratic system of government, and the dedicated men and women of the Racine Police Association (RPA) and the Staff Officer’s Association (SOA) fully respect the Constitutional right of free speech that is guaranteed to all Americans. At the same time, expressions of speech by those entrusted to run our government which serves to denigrate anyone on the basis of their profession are extraordinarily troubling.
"Bishop Mark Freeman’s social media postings which broadly portray law enforcement officers in a racist and vitriolic light are offensive, and the RPA and SOA have serious concerns about his ability to function as an objective member of the Racine Police & Fire Commission, as the law requires. We would hope that the public officials empowered to oversee the police department would adhere to the same standard of care and conduct that is expected of its officers. While the RPA and SOA greatly value the ability to maintain a community dialogue on issues of public concern, we fail to see how the widespread posting of photos that denigrate the service and sacrifice of the officers who work tirelessly to keep our city safe helps cultivate that discussion.
"The RPA and SOA are currently in the process of determining the necessary steps to file an official complaint with the City for the removal of a Police and Fire Commissioner, and have no further comment on this matter at this time."