Embattled Jonesboro department head to retain his job

Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Director Wixon Huffstetler will keep his job with the city after serving a two week suspension following a racially insensitive Tweet he posted following a protest in Memphis earlier this month.

“We’ve conducted an extensive and thorough review into Mr. Huffstetler’s background and from what we have been able to determine this was a one time incident,” Jonesboro Communications Director Bill Campbell told Talk Business and Politics.

Huffstetler was suspended without pay for two weeks, and he is slated to return to work on July 28.

Protesters overwhelmed the Interstate 40 bridge in Memphis July 10 following the shooting deaths of civilians by police in several parts of the country in recent weeks. Many of the protesters were black, and traffic along the heavily traveled route was shutdown for hours. Some of the protesters took “selfies” of themselves with their camera phones during the protest, and it prompted Huffstetler to send out this offensive Tweet.

“And, no wonder why they are profiled. #idiots,” Huffstetler sent from his personal Twitter account.

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin strongly condemned the comments and suspended Huffstetler a few days later.

“We have reviewed and are continuing to review this situation,” Perrin said in a released statement. “It contradicts what we stand for, which is a Jonesboro that serves all citizens equally.”

In addition to his suspension, Huffstetler is required to attend sensitivity training classes. Jonesboro city employee conduct policies strictly prohibit any “conduct of any nature adversely affecting the city’s best interests and reputation,” according to information released by Perrin’s Office.

After a firestorm erupted over the comments, Perrin spoke out in several forums, including local radio shows, to calm the tensions between black and white residents about the comment.

Huffstetler has been employed with the city for more than four years, and he has been an exceptional employee, Campbell said. During his time in Jonesboro, the parks director has received high marks for his professionalism and work ethic, he said.

Huffstetler was apologetic following the incident. He released the following statement after his suspension was announced.

“I love my job serving all youth in Jonesboro’s parks and recreation department,” he said. “And, I hope to rebuild any lost confidence in me.”