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Racine bishop under fire for posting offensive photos to Facebook
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:
The Racine Police Association and Staff Officers Association issued the following statement in response to the controversial expressions of Bishop Freeman: