A woman has lost her job after posting violent comments on social media, saying demonstrators at the McKenzie Meadows “Land Back” dispute should have been shot.
The woman was making commentary on a video of demonstrators burning hydro poles and tires on Argyle Street in Caledonia late last month, stating that demonstrators should have been shot in the head.
Further comments posted to her Facebook stated that she did not believe her comments were racist but said that demonstrators were “acting like wild animals” and that they “should be treated like wild animals.”
Critics noted the woman’s place of employment on her Facebook profile and contacted the company, Battlefield International, and alerted them to the comments.
Steve Fenton, President for Battlefield International posted a statement to Facebook confirming the woman had been fired for making those comments.
“Due to some posts on a social media website, that were improper and totally unacceptable to Battlefield International Inc. (their employer) and after ensuring this staff member was in fact fully responsible for the posts, we have discontinued their employment with us,” wrote Fenton. “We are both sorry to lose this highly valued person, while also being pleased that the good people of the Six Nations of the Grand River (Six Nations) made us aware of this most unfortunate set of posts.”
Fenton wrote, “I was very upset with this discovery and would like to extend my sincere apology to you for having to read that post. It does not reflect the values of our company.”
Fenton also called on employers and community members from Six Nations to uphold similar standards for those demonstrating disapproval of the McKenzie Meadows housing development.
“So now I would like to point out that any postings or recorded verbal messages by anyone from the Six Nations and especially those working directly on the “Land Back” property that demonstrates similar racist leaning or violent wishes towards other peoples from Caledonia should also land quickly with a fact-finding discussion followed with relieving any offenders of their duties. Offenders should leave their job function just as was done here. We are asking no more from you than what we have already done and what each one of us should know is right.”
Fenton quoted a verse from the Bible, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” and asked all people involved in the conflict to reflect on it’s relevance.
