Governor Rick Snyder says there is no reason to fire State Police Colonel Kristy Etue over a controversial Facebook post.
Etue has apologized for sharing a meme on her page that called NFL players who take a knee during the national anthem unpatriotic and “degenerates.” Snyder says the post was “inappropriate,” but he considers the matter settled.
“She came out and apologized, and she’s done great service for the state. The way I view it is people make mistakes, she recognizes that, and let’s keep moving forward.”
Democratic Senator Ian Conyers says he believes in theFirst Amendment. But he says it doesn’t protect you from consequences for your speech.
“Members of law enforcement and the military are held to a particular higher standard. In these sensitive times, I think we’re starting to believe that culture starts at the top level of the leadership.”
Republican state Senator Rick Jones says she has no reason to apologize.
“She has the same First Amendment rights as do the players who take a knee during the national anthem.”
The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus called the apology weak and says Etue should resign or be removed.
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— Rick Pluta is the Managing Editor and Reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
