Open microphone and profanity filled discussion about race has prompted an investigation in Houston
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An open microphone caused a conversation among firefighters to be broadcast over the Houston Fire Department’s radio system on Sunday. The approximately two-minute discussion has brought up concerns about racism in a department that is still dealing with the aftermath of a noose discovered in a captain’s locker.
From the recordings that three Houston TV stations have played of the conversation caught by the open microphone, it is clear this is going to be an interesting case. There doesn’t appear to be any racial epithets.
What is on the recordings is someone voicing their opinion very strongly on issues involving race. It is punctuated by some profanity. There is little doubt many people will find the comments offensive.
One of those on the record about the incident is Houston Fire Department Chief Phil Boriskie. Boriskie told KHOU-TV, “One of our concerns is obviously profanity. We don’t condone profanity. One of our concerns is the political and racial overtones that had implications on there and obviously we don’t condone that.”
The chief goes even further in a conversation with reporter Isiah Carey of KRIV-TV:
Chief: “We don’t believe we should be talking about race, religion, politics at the station.”
Reporter: “Oh really, I didn’t know that. Is that rule or policy?”
Chief: “It’s been a long standing policy in the Houston Fire Department”.
There is other reaction. Here are excerpts from KTRK-TV’s story:
Otis Jordan is president of the Houston Black Firefighters Association. He believes racial tension increased after a white fire captain was reprimanded for having a noose in his locker.
“We are about bringing everybody together. We are not a racist organization. We aren’t separating ourselves,” said Jordan.
Yolanda Smith, Executive Director for the NAACP Houston branch, has also heard the recording.
“If I’m an individual in an African-American community and I had to rely on these individuals to come and save me in my time of need, they are not going to be sensitive,” said Smith.
Chief Boriskie says he isn’t sure who is speaking on the recording and has turned the case over to the Office of Attorney General for further investigation.
