A deputy director with the Shelby County Corrections Center is off the Job after posting a controversial comment on Facebook.
Shelby County confirmed David Barber resigned early Tuesday evening from his post with the Shelby County Corrections Center.
The post was written by the now former Deputy Director of the Shelby County Corrections Center, David Barber.
It reads, "The KKK is more American than the illegal president," referring to President Barack Obama.
"Oh my God. Oh my God. I don't know what this world is coming to,” Barbara Rayo said.
FOX13 took questions to Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell early Wednesday morning. At that point, he confirmed Barber was still employed by Shelby County in his same position.
"I was offended. I think anybody who read it was offended," Luttrell said.
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Early Tuesday evening, the Shelby County Corrections office released this statement, confirming Barber had resigned, ending his 17 year career with the county.
“David Barber, Deputy Director of the Shelby County Corrections Center, resigned today after derogatory comments were posted on his personal Facebook account. Although Barber’s comments were personal to his Facebook page, his occupation at the Shelby County Corrections Center was evident to anyone who accessed the page. After discussing the offensive nature of the comments and the impact they would have on the corrections center, he offered to resign and it was accepted by Corrections Director William Gupton.”
“Anyone in a leadership position at Shelby County Government is held at a high standard of behavior, both on and off the job,” said Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.
Barber had been with the corrections center for 17 years. Before assuming his position as Deputy Director two years ago, he was the center’s Administrator of Finance.
"I think he realized what he did was wrong. He offered his resignation, and we accepted it," Luttrell said.
FOX13 asked Luttrell why Barber was not fired or suspended for the post before Tuesday.
"We didn't think it rose to the level of sending him home," Luttrell said.
County leaders confirm Barber was not at work Tuesday.
Some said they would like for people to watch what they post, especially if they work for the taxpayers. "Why can't we protest for this?” Rayo asked.
FOX13 also learned the Shelby County Government at this time does not have a social media policy.
Mayo Luttrell confirmed that after this incident, leaders will be looking to establish one.
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