The mayor of Jackson and three members of the city council are calling for the resignation of Jackson County Sheriff Steve Rand. Their demand follows reports of racist and discriminatory remarks by the sheriff.
Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies says he’s heard audio recordings in which Rand denigrates African-Americans, women, Hispanics, persons with disabilities and the LGBT community.
Dobies says he’s confident in his authority to demand Rand’s resignation, and says his city has made great strides in the past year to advance tolerance and diversity.
“We shouldn’t let anyone reverse that, even if it’s some of the most powerful people in the county,” says Dobies. “We have to continue forward with that progress.”
Rand is also being sued in federal court by one of his former employees who claims he created a hostile work environment.
Sheriff Rand could not be reached for comment for this story.