West Virginia Corrections Workers Fired Over Nazi Salute
Earlier this month, three corrections employees in West Virginia were fired over a picture of them doing the Nazi salute in their uniforms. The 34 others in the image are cadets and officer trainees who have been suspended without pay.
In the image, you can see faces that have been blurred and the top of the photo it says, “Hail Byrd” in reference to an instructor at the facility.
Several religious and civil rights leaders in the community met with state officials to discuss the matter. Governor Jim Justice stated that he is unsure if the photo can be released to show the identities of those who participated in the action.
“This will not be tolerated on my watch–within the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation–or within any agency of state government,” said Justice.
When I look at this photo I am curious to know what made those who participated think this was acceptable? Why did they think they could print this and have the audacity to do so on a state letterhead? Did they really not know or just not care? Was there validation from higher-ups and colleagues? Is this how their institutional culture operates?
Regardless, the image is a reflection of White supremacy and should be called out for what it is. This incident connects directly to how we view racial injustice in the United States. If interested, I highly recommend reading Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow, which speaks of the rebirth of a caste-like system in the United States that has resulted in millions of African Americans locked behind bars and then relegated to a permanent second-class status — denied the very rights supposedly won in the Civil Rights Movement.
To take a photograph like this there must be a sense of protection, or maybe even fear. I’m curious to know how this photo was leaked? Did someone within speak out against this? If not, why? I’m interested to know how the bystander effect, silence, and complicit behavior take a role in this disturbing reality.
As this story is continuing to develop, it’s hard for me to decipher whether this poor act has been handled accordingly. I strongly believe that everyone who participated in this photo should all be fired. These people are apart of our government and must undergo training on racial bias, White supremacy, racial identity development, and American history. This is a shameful act that must be reprimanded to the highest extent.
In my experience as a consultant and working hand-in-hand with law enforcement, I understand the importance of creating an organizational culture and climate that minimizes the negative influence bias has on their employees.
Although I don’t believe the situation has been dealt with to the greatest extent, the press has been reporting and responding to all the right things. But I am more fascinated to see how long it takes for the proper disciplinary actions to take place, to what degree they will be investigated and how high and deep the accountability goes.
