Illinois Sheriff Don Schieferdecker,  of Schuyler County, made a very derogatory remark on a co-workers photo in Facebook.  Schieferdecker made the comment under a photo of what appeared to be a young boy with his mouth open. The original poster wrote: "Look, I found a fag."  Schieferdecker then commented: "Yup and his mouth is open, his glasses are off, he's ready, little fag Jew boy." (See picture below)

In response to this discriminatory remark, The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA), an Illinois’ statewide LGBTQ advocacy and political organization, is calling for the Sheriff's resignation.  “It is absolutely incomprehensible that an elected official would use such language to refer to a subordinate.  I don’t care if it was meant in jest or not. I don’t care if he meant for everyone to see it or not. The fact is, the comment is now public and there should be consequences for statements such as this,” stated Anthony Martinez, Executive Director of The Civil Rights Agenda. “Not only is this remark extremely hurtful to many Illinoisans, it sends a message to folks that it is okay to use such language. It sends the message that it is appropriate to mock Jewish people and people who are gay or part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community.”

Please help us hold this elected official accountable by signing this petition demanding his resignation.