An object lesson involving a rope and an idiom perceived by some Leon County Schools employees as racially insensitive has resulted in the transportation director being reprimanded for his actions.
An object lesson involving a rope and an idiom perceived by some Leon County Schools employees as racially insensitive has resulted in transportation director Manny Joanos being reprimanded for his actions.
Joanos came under review by Deana McAllister, the district’s director of employee and labor relations this week, after she received a complaint about language Joanos used during a meeting in January of his leadership team, the majority of them black.
In an effort to make his point that employees can get into trouble without proper supervision, Joanos brought a stretch of rope to the meeting, and quipped: “Sometimes, if you give people too much rope they'll hang themselves."
LCS spokesman Chris Petley said the employees found the language offensive.
Petley said it was determined Joanos used the rope as a prop to illustrate his message.
McAllister interviewed employees, as well as Joanos.
“Anytime Employee and Labor Relations looks into something we take it seriously,” Petley said.
The employees acknowledged Joanos offered personal apologies after realizing his choice of words — and the use of the rope — could be deemed offensive.
In addition to receiving the reprimand called a "coaching memo," Joanos is required to complete additional professional development training.
“He understands it was not the right thing to say,” Petley said.
April 12, 2019, 9:30 a.m.
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