Earlier this month, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio announced that he would send armed volunteer posse members to churches with African-American congregations at the request of Rev. Jarrett Maupin. Now some “artist” is depicting the two in what Maupin describes as a “vulgar, racially insensitive, homophobic, and generally offensive” display In dowtown Phoenix.
Maupin, with the Fellowship Baptist Church, sent a letter to the City of Phoenix Human Relations Commission, asking Phoenix leaders to take action by investigating and rectifying the situation.
Maupin also inquired as to what his “rights are as a victim and what, if any, disciplinary action is taken (warnings, fines, etc.) to address this unfortunate situation.”
According to Maupin, the display is “regularly propped up against a bus stop, street lights, a cross-walk button post, and other objects that are City of Phoenix property and/or private property.”
The letter reads:
I am writing to bring to your attention a situation involving a vulgar, racially insensitive, homophobic, and generally offensive “display” in downtown Phoenix.
After receiving calls from the media, from families with children in their cars, and other concerned individuals – I have decided to author this letter asking that the City of Phoenix Human Relations Commission and or the City of Phoenix (in whatever capacity is appropriate) address this situation.
For the last several days, a gentleman unknown to me has been propping up a rendering of what he considers to be my likeness, nude, embracing the Sheriff of Maricopa County, Joe Arpaio. This public display has generally been erected in the area of 1st Avenue and Washington Street, in downtown Phoenix. It has been reported to me and I have observed for myself that this display is regularly propped up against a bus stop, street lights, a cross-walk button post, and other objects that are City of Phoenix property and/or private property. I am under the impression that neither the City of Phoenix nor the private property owners nearby have given permission for this disturbed individual to utilize that area to display this offensive imagery. I am also at a loss as to why it is going on unchecked.
The image itself is an affront to the mission and protections that the City of Phoenix says its Human Relations Commission represents. The exaggerated lips, nose, and eyes of the Black character is racist, insensitive, and offensive. The mockery of the LGBTQ community and the use of same-sex relationships as a way of lampooning the subjects of this display is homophobic, degrading, and offensive. The image itself is not appropriate for public display on government property, unless of course the City of Phoenix has given permission or has or is willing to issue permits for the display to remain in place. I am making the reasonable request that the display be dismantled, removed, or moved to private property where it can be appropriately displayed without disturbing the public.
I steadfastly stand in defense of the creator of the image and his Constitutional right to freedom of speech. I also know when freedom of speech has crossed the line, particularly with respect to public displays, on public or government property that I and other tax payers pay to maintain and which should remain free of messages, displays, language, or signs that intentionally degrade, disparage, or discriminate against a person’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, military service, or other protected status.
I look forward to action being taken to investigate and rectify this situation. I am also interested in what my rights are as a victim and what, if any, disciplinary action is taken (warnings, fines, etc.) to address this unfortunate situation. Should you need additional information, please feel free to contact me. I have attached a copy of the display in question for your review.
With every good wish.