The Fort Worth City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to officially remove Mike Steele from his position on the city’s Human Relations Commission (HRC). The vote for removal came via a resolution that received no debate.
The decision to remove Steele comes on the heels of posts from him surfacing on social media which many found offensive. His fellow members on the HRC had earlier voted for his removal, and Mayor Betsy Price immediately called for his dismissal.
District 7 Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Shingleton is among those who are happy he is ousted.
“His outward comments in a position where he should be more tolerant and compassionate are unacceptable,” Shingleton said. “We just can’t tolerate that, especially in a time when we’re working on issues.”
Shingleton said it also bothers him that Steele has not been at all apologetic about the matter.
“He’s not been the least bit remorseful,” Shingleton said. “He’s got to go.”
The Human Relations Commission works with city officials to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, as well as working to promote communication among all groups and organizations.