Two senior management officials at Eglin Air Force base are being threatened with termination for displaying Duck Dynasty decals on their personal vehicles. The American Federation of Government Employees union says the decals, which state, “I Support Phil,” are inappropriate.
One of the managers also reportedly distributed the stickers at work.
Alan Cooper, executive vice president of the union’s local chapter said, "These two particular individuals have a great amount of influence over individuals who may be gay, who may be African-American – and we have a concern they should not be in a position to exert that influence when it comes to promotions."
Cooper said that according to the military’s anti-discrimination policies, the employees should be fired. "If it's zero tolerance, it's zero tolerance for everybody.”
One of the threatened employees employees said, "My intent was not to offend anybody," the individual told me. "My intent was to support the show and to show support for his Christian values."
The individual, who is unnamed, said that he is neither racist, nor homophobic, but simply a fan of the show. "I'm pro-family. I'm pro-life. I don't have a problem with anybody who doesn't agree with me."
The employee said that he will not remove the sticker from his vehicle because he has a right to freedom of speech. It is unknown how the worker’s union will proceed.
Publication date: June 13, 2014