Brookfield Zoo officials said Tuesday they have fired an employee who was pictured in a social media post with a racially insulting comment about zoo customers.
"We do not tolerate this behavior," zoo spokeswoman Sondra Katzen said.
The posting showed what appeared to be a selfie of the worker in a Brookfield Zoo cap and shirt at a concession stand. The employee indicated she was at Brookfield Zoo.
A message with the photo read: "Wassup y'all? At work serving these rude ass white people"
Tuesday morning, the zoo issued this statement: "Yesterday, we became aware of the actions of a single employee which we agree are unacceptable. This employee's statements in social media are in violation of our policies and do not reflect our institution's values. We have zero tolerance for these kinds of divisive behaviors. We treat all employment matters confidentially, but rest assured that we have taken prompt action to remedy the situation.
"We hope you continue to hold Brookfield Zoo in high regard and not let the actions of one individual overshadow the longstanding good work of the Chicago Zoological Society."
Katzen characterized the worker as "a seasonal employee."
"She is no longer employed by the Society," Katzen said.
The zoo had responded to the employee's post with a post on its Facebook page, condemning the action.
The posting triggered a flurry of comments in the review section of the Facebook page. As of 5 p.m., the posting had drawn more than 19,000 "likes."
An attempt to reach the employee was unsuccessful.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-brookfield-zoo-social-media-remark-met-20150609-story.html
"We do not tolerate this behavior," zoo spokeswoman Sondra Katzen said.
The posting showed what appeared to be a selfie of the worker in a Brookfield Zoo cap and shirt at a concession stand. The employee indicated she was at Brookfield Zoo.
A message with the photo read: "Wassup y'all? At work serving these rude ass white people"
Tuesday morning, the zoo issued this statement: "Yesterday, we became aware of the actions of a single employee which we agree are unacceptable. This employee's statements in social media are in violation of our policies and do not reflect our institution's values. We have zero tolerance for these kinds of divisive behaviors. We treat all employment matters confidentially, but rest assured that we have taken prompt action to remedy the situation.
"We hope you continue to hold Brookfield Zoo in high regard and not let the actions of one individual overshadow the longstanding good work of the Chicago Zoological Society."
Katzen characterized the worker as "a seasonal employee."
"She is no longer employed by the Society," Katzen said.
The zoo had responded to the employee's post with a post on its Facebook page, condemning the action.
The posting triggered a flurry of comments in the review section of the Facebook page. As of 5 p.m., the posting had drawn more than 19,000 "likes."
An attempt to reach the employee was unsuccessful.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-brookfield-zoo-social-media-remark-met-20150609-story.html
