The Charlotte County Board of Commissioners filed a motion to strip Commissioner Stephen Deutsch of all committee assignments, including alternates, after admitting to using a racial slur in a conversation with another county official.
Related video above: Commissioner will keep position after apology for racial slur
Commissioners discussed the violation of county policy investigation following the allegations that Commissioner Deutsch used the N-word during a meeting with the MPO Executive Director D'Juan Harris in December.
During a public meeting Tuesday, Deutsch addressed the controversy, saying he regrets using the offensive term and apologizing to his colleagues and the public. He emphasized that he does not typically use such language and shared that he was married to a woman of color for many years.
Other county commissioners said they must be held to the highest standards as leaders in the community, which sparked the motion to strip Deutsch of his duties.
Commissioner Bill Truex called for Deutsch to resign earlier this month, stating, "that such actions are not tolerated ... bring shame to the entire board, not tolerated. I ask you to resign."
Ultimately, Deutsch did not resign . Instead, he was ordered to complete multiple management training courses with human resources on-site before the end of this month.
Commissioner Christopher Constance called for Deutsch to resign, stating that elected officials should serve the public rather than engage in self-promotion. Constance also made a motion to strip Deutsch of all committee assignments, including alternate roles.
Now, county commissioners voted 3-1 for the motion to strip Deutsch of his role and responsibilities. The one commissioner who opposed, stated they wanted it to be his choice to resign, yet encouraged him to do so.
This latest action follows earlier disciplinary measures requiring Deutsch to complete multiple management training courses with human resources before the end of the month.
Despite calls for his resignation, Deutsch remains in his position. Commissioners urged him to reflect on the situation, with some saying they have lost respect for him as a colleague.
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