Former Texas County Employee Faces Unemployment After Using 'Obama-Rigged' in Racially Charged Context

The director of an animal shelter in Tyler, Texas, was dismissed this week due to derogatory racial remarks and failing to address her employees’ use of racial slurs. Her termination is linked to an incident on August 7, when Smith County Animal Control staff member Sarah Dike used a racial slur while discussing shoddy repairs, eliciting laughter from colleagues in the presence of shelter director Amber Greene. Following a formal complaint, it became clear that Greene not only ignored the slur but suggested using the phrase “Obama-rigged” instead, which the offended employee felt exacerbated the joke. The complainant expressed profound hurt, stating that Greene’s inaction worsened the situation. Following an investigation, Greene was found in violation of anti-discrimination policies and was let go on September 9. Prior to this, Greene had received multiple reprimands related to her conduct and management style. Greene plans to contest her termination, asserting that the investigation was biased.