A Candid Interview With Steve Francis Regarding Workplace Discrimination

[Chella Alene]

How Does Discrimination Affect the Workplace?

1. I was talked about behind my back slandered and denied my African heritage. 2. I was called a kid constantly by a white elder firefighter whom I asked politely and explained to him the racist connotations about it while I was at at the age of 40. 3. I witnessed an elder white firefighter call minorities niggers. 4. We emailed the mayor screenshots of a white LT being homophobic, racist and sexist. 5. I was retaliated against for blowing the whistle. 6. Nothing was done about it. I was threatened by a white Lieutenant for notifying the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination verbally and physically.

What is the most common type of discrimination in today's workplace?

I believe that covert racism and discrimination against woman are the most common in public sector workplaces.

Give us a few specific situations at work when you were discriminated against.

I was chastised daily about my work place line of duty injury from smoke inhalation. My Chief would talk about blacks stating that affirmative action was an excuse for blacks to take away jobs from more educated whites. My Chief would talk daily about how woman weren’t as smart as men.

My Chief would talk about how gay and transgender people were using the media to promote gayness as a way to brainwash us. I would tell him that I am a minority and that I have daughters and it wasn’t kind of him to say those things and would be told to shit the fuck up. Also a LT tried to fight me in the police station and the Chief asked me what I think should be done. My response was what would you do to me if I threatened him?

All they did was move him to a different department. I had penises drawn my my bottles and my gear was constantly being stolen and moved and firefighters would put cat food in my boots. Lastly, according to another firefighter who resigned he witnessed firefighters plotting to kill me by trapping me in a fire. 

What did your superiors do when these acts were brought to their attention?

My superiors were the people who were racist and discriminatory as well. Also the Mayor did nothing about it. Neither did the department Chief.

Was any disciplinary action taken against those involved?

No.

Why do you feel more people don't speak out against toxic work environments?

Yes and this is why. I am a disabled veteran. Two of My Marine brothers also resigned due to toxicity and do not want to speak up about it. They are both harassed as well. I believe that people don’t like to draw attention to themselves and are also afraid they will be judged. 

What is your goal in raising awareness to this issue and what do you think needs to be done to stop this practice?

My goal is to shed light on this situation so that it does not happen to anyone else. I think a position needs to be created in all fire departments that is a direct line to the Mayor and the Governor’s office for matters such as this. This person should not be in the chain of command.

Do you feel education plays a factor in preventing workplace discrimination?

Yes it plays a huge roll and diversity should I be a topic that is discussed frequently.

In closing what do you want readers to walk away with after reading this interview?

I want the readers to know that I have served our county honorably in two branches of service. I’m a Marine veteran and an Airforce Air National Guard veteran. If not me then who? If not you then who? Please do not stand by if you see someone being harassed.