A Muslim advocacy group is calling on Wal-Mart to take back an employee who was fired last week for posting negative comments about Muslim patrons on Facebook.
Spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations Ibrahim Hooper told the Associated Press on Friday that the organization had forgiven Terrance Earsing for his transgression. Council officials wrote a letter to the President of Wal-Mart U.S., William Simon to ask the superstore corporation to accept the former employee's apology - one that they claim was made sincerely.
Earsing worked as an assistant manager at a Wal-Mart near Buffalo, New York. The post that eventually led to his termination with the company consisted of a photo of Muslim women in a traditional outfit, along with a caption littered with four letter words.
"Halloween came early this year," part of the post read. "Do they really have to...dress like that."
Following the unsavory Facebook post, Earsing was let go from the company. But the CAIR insisted they'd spoken with Earsing, and that the ex-worker felt remorse for his actions.
"After the incident, we have engaged in conversations with Mr. Earsing on the situation and have come to the conclusion that Mr. Earsing is truly apologetic and will try to engage in more community and religious tolerance dialogues to ensure no future religious discrimination situations occur," Wednesday's letter from Board President Ryan Mahoney read. "With Mr. Earsing's apology, we hope that Wal-Mart will accept his apology and if possible, provide him employment."
But Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. spokesperson Ashley Hardie said she wouldn't comment on the letter, nor would she speak on possible re-hire for Earsing.
The company said before that Earsing did not meet the corporation's standards, the AP reported.
Earsing himself told The Buffalo News that he didn't think Wal-Mart would even consider taking him back on as an employee.
"I violated a company policy," he said at the time. "I violated their trust."
Earsing reported having responded to a few job postings, while the Council on American-Islamic Relations is urging members of the Muslim community to link Earsing up with contacts and employment opportunities.
