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More trouble for trooper

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BY MARGARET REIST / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Sep 01, 2006 - 12:09:35 am CDT

Former Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Robert Henderson, whose membership in an organization with ties to the Ku Klux Klan got him fired from the patrol, just lost another job.

Henderson was fired Wednesday from the Nebraska Safety Council, where he had taught traffic diversion classes since 1997, said Laurie Klosterboer, the safety council’s executive director.

Klosterboer said she couldn’t talk about why Henderson was fired.

Story Photo
Henderson

Related Link(s):


8.25.06: State tries to oust trooper

“We don’t discuss personnel issues outside the organization.”

The patrol fired the 18-year veteran in March, but a New York City arbitrator ruled he should be reinstated. The state is contesting the arbitrator’s decision in Lancaster County District Court.

Henderson didn’t deny posting comments on the Knights Party Web site, and has apologized and dropped his membership in the group, according to his attorney.

The Aug. 17 arbitrator’s decision said Henderson should be reinstated within 60 days.

That hasn’t happened because the 60 days isn’t up, said patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins.

It’s not clear what will happen to his patrol job if the arbitration appeal is still pending after 60 days.

State Attorney General’s spokeswoman Holley Hatt said her office couldn’t comment because it is involved in the appeal.

But two state statutes on arbitration seem to indicate his reinstatement could be put on hold until a judge decides the appeal.

Since news of Henderson’s dismissal from the patrol became public last week, the Nebraska Safety Council got an anonymous complaint about him being an instructor, Klosterboer said. 

She said no students complained in class evaluations about Henderson’s conduct in the classroom.

The Safety Council, a private, nonprofit organization, offers driving and traffic-related classes throughout the state.

Henderson taught diversion classes  in Lincoln and Omaha. The classes are offered to people ticketed for minor traffic offenses.

The Safety Council has arrangements with numerous counties to offer the classes but doesn’t contract with them. Its operating budget isn’t supported by state money, although some programs are supported by state or federal grants, Klosterboer said.

Although law enforcement officers teach many of the classes, instructors don’t have to be in law enforcement.

Reach Margaret Reist at 473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com


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Mama wrote on September 1, 2006 12:36 am:
" There is no place for this guy in law enforcement! "
Kay Collins wrote on September 1, 2006 4:49 am:
" I feel a little less safe knowing people with ties to organizations as the KKK have authority here in Nebraska. "
????? wrote on September 1, 2006 5:24 am:
" There is more pressing news than this issue to continue to be on the front page. Give it a rest. "
just me... wrote on September 1, 2006 6:14 am:
" Things like this make a person wonder how deep corruption actually runs in our city, state, and federal governmental institutions!! "
What? wrote on September 1, 2006 6:36 am:
" ????, there is no more pressing issue than the safety of all Nebraskans! The reason this is on the front page is so that we are all still aware that the issue of racism still exists and that it is alive and well in our great state. With Mr. Henderson being employed by our state and paid from our tax dollars, this is an issue that all Nebraskans need to be made aware of. We need to know that we can trust all of our state troopers to protect and serve the public. Being a man of a different color, I feel my safety is jeopardized with if a man like Mr. Henderson is allowed to retain his job. "
James wrote on September 1, 2006 6:55 am:
" One of our (HA)great senators was head of the ku klux klan, Robert Bird and he dosn't get fired, he's the longest running U.S.senator in office today so politically correct only goes with NON-liberals huh? "
Well, what. wrote on September 1, 2006 8:17 am:
" 'what', While I understand your concern here, and I abhor what thekkk stands for, it has been stated many times that this trooper's membership in the knights organization in no way affected his job performance. The issue was legally arbitrated, and that should have been the end of it. As a 'man of color', how would you feel if your job was terminated because of your membership in one of the many organizations for minorities? The constitution protects ALL of us, or it protects none of us! As for the trooper losing the job discussed here, since no details are given, we can't really comment. "
cindyK wrote on September 1, 2006 8:25 am:
" Henderson is a victim of discrimination. Plain and simple. He deserves both of his jobs back with an APOLOGY. Now that he is under the microscope, he will be the best trooper the state has. "
TERRANCE wrote on September 1, 2006 8:42 am:
" although i do not support these types of organizations, i think it is wrong to start letting people get fired because of social organizations they belong to. This type of thinking has already led to companies being able to fire people who smoke and in the future if you don't keep your weight at a certian level or if you drink alcohol you may also face being fired. Our country is based on individuals rights which we have taken away from us every day. Next time it may be you, because you are FAT, or DRINK BEER, or have guns because you HUNT. If this man's work shows no signs of influence from his social life it is wrong, plain wrong. You have the right to disagree with his desire to belong to an organzation, but if he is doing his job, why should he be fired for association. Next time it may very well be you hostiles who are foaming at the mouth just because you don't agree with him. Stifling ones freedoms can lead to your own downfall. "
be careful wrote on September 1, 2006 9:08 am:
" the kkk is detestable but beware of the thought police - this issue is larger than it appears "
reverse racism wrote on September 1, 2006 9:09 am:
" If he was a member of the Black Panthers would he have been fired? This is discrimiation and I hope he sues. "
retired cop wrote on September 1, 2006 9:11 am:
" During the time that I worked with and knew Bob Henderson there was never any indication of any racial prejudice in his job performance. By all accounts there have never been any complaints of such in his 18 years of serving the people, except one that was investigated and determined to be unfounded, and no, I don't belong to any to any type of "racially affialiated" organizations and do not subscribe to any "beliefs" of that nature. Could this simply be another type of prejudice or an opportunity to remove him for another unknown reason even after 18 years of quality service to the people of Nebraska. "
Sean wrote on September 1, 2006 9:15 am:
" So the State only accepts arbitration when it suits them? Looks like they're the ones playing fast and loose with the rules, not the trooper. Yep, there's Robert Byrd (KKK Byrd), George Wallace standing at the schoolhouse door and then running for President, and the list goes on. Prejudice is a fact of life as much as death and taxes. Having unpopular thoughts and frequenting questionable websites is one thing. Burning crosses in a yard is another. Since his professional and personal behavior did'nt emcompass running around in a hood, save the taxpayers some money and drop the appeal. "
Citizen wrote on September 1, 2006 9:18 am:
" Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia was elected. The people of that state choose to either support or ignore the issue, or recognize that in the decades since the 1940's he may have matured and grown in his cultural awareness. He is not now and has not been a member or leader of the KKK in over 50 years. On the other hand, Robert Henderson IS CURRENTLY a member of the Knights Party so he is not able to even attempt a claim of change-of-heart. Maybe we should take a vote here in NE and find out if we wish to support or ignore a member of this group? I'll go first - No. Fire him. "
Carla wrote on September 1, 2006 9:21 am:
" Senators are elected. You know like how Strom Thurmond was elected over and over and over again. Remember? He's the guy that said, "There's not enough troops in the army to force the Southern people to break down segregation and admit the n*gger race into our theaters, into our swimming pools, into our homes, and into our churches." Why you are singling out Robert Byrd, I'm not sure. And why you think he's a "liberal" also confuses me. Is that because he wasn't sold on the Iraqi war. I am no fan of Robert Byrd, but I commend anyone for questioning an unjust war. There is also the matter of a group called the Council of Conservative Citizens, a white supremacist group with ties to the KKK and other neo-fascist elements. Both Trent Lott and Jesse Helms had longstanding ties to that group. Oh, and two words: David Duke. Why this has to be a partisan issue is beyond me. Perhaps you take every chance you can to spew the word "liberal" as if it's an insult. If you want to claim this Henderson fellow for your "side", you can freaking have him. "
Give him a break wrote on September 1, 2006 9:21 am:
" Bob gets fired because a black guy hits on his wife and won't leave her alone despite her complaints to her superiors at work. I think the restraint he showed, despite his job as a law inforcement officer is commendable. I wouldn't have been as nice as he was. "
Nobody Knew? wrote on September 1, 2006 9:26 am:
" what year is it? in my 43 years of life, anyone I've known for 18 days let alone 18 years I knew whether they had racial issues or not. People who hate are not invisable, they usually seek out like minded people. the klan has done nothing good for this country but good old Nebraskans cant get past 1863. the good life-for who? "
wise wrote on September 1, 2006 9:30 am:
" Im sorry but the man just has a sly look about him.I realize i can't judge him. But the feeling i have is that he deserves to have his job as long as he can perform his duties to the best he knows how. That goes for african americans and whites. "
hattie wrote on September 1, 2006 9:34 am:
" Give the guy his job back. Since when does membership in an organization that others have already said does not effedt his job lead to firing him.. What a joke. I do not agree with any of the KKK's ideas or even agree with any of their statements, however this is bull. "
what...are you thinking? wrote on September 1, 2006 9:43 am:
" There is a difference between being involved in a group that celebrates your race and a group which has a history of lynching people. Regardless, I don't want any person, whatever their race may be to serve as a law enforcement official should they have an affiliation to any organization that promotes hatred toward a group or groups of people, period. Law enforcement cannot be biased when in comes to public safety. "
JQ wrote on September 1, 2006 9:48 am:
" If you are dumb enough to belong to the KKK I really don't feel sorry for anything that happens to you. "
M wrote on September 1, 2006 9:48 am:
" The guy is gonna win big time on discrimination now. If I was his attorney, I would file suit against the SP, this company and any other, even the black guy who was hitting on his wife. Reverse discrimination and now he is being targeted. The state will pay dearly for this now in money and respect. I lost all respect for Bruning and would vote AGAINST him in the next election. "
Honest Phido wrote on September 1, 2006 10:16 am:
" If soneone this stupid is allowed to take such an important job back just because he apoligezes and retracts his comments then I really fear for the direction of mankind. "
Misdemeanor wrote on September 1, 2006 11:08 am:
" I have taken diversion class in Lincoln from this guy. While he is dry, boring and hard to stay awake with, he should not have lost his job, either in the State Patrol, or in the Saftey Council. What happened to freedom to assemble peacably? Has he been linked to any hate crimes? Since when does the State of Nebraska get to censor people based on their personal beliefs? Regardless if his belief/ethics are right or wrong, he was an 18 year veteran of the SP. My goodness. I don't agree with the KKK, but I do agree with our constitutional rights of the 1st amendment! "
curious wrote on September 1, 2006 11:15 am:
" I read the arbitrator's decision and what i found sad was how badly the SP performed. They waited months before pulling him off the road and in taking his gun. They missed timelines. In court if the DA does a bad job a criminal can walk free. Is that what happened here? Did the SP just do a bad job in arbitration? It sure sounds like it to me. Read the arbitrator report it says the SP has to take the trooper back not just because of the 1st amendment but because the SP violated the contract with the troopers. Who at the SP is responsible for these failures? Why did they not fo their job and do things right to get rid of this trooper? "
d-bonz wrote on September 1, 2006 11:22 am:
" This guy needs to go! The State Patrol doesn't need this type press and having him serve just jeopardizes everything that the State Patrol stands for. Henderson has big issues, and if he is able to get his job back he will not have any respect from co-workers and will always be on the hot seat of attention! "
Lance R wrote on September 1, 2006 12:12 pm:
" The larger issue that seems to be forgotten in this case is the liability issues for the State Patrol. If a known KKK member is reinstated as a trooper, every time a minority person gets picked up they will have a strong case for a discrimination suit. His actions and associations promote a disrespect for the law, and open the state to legal liability. He should be fired. Remember, as a private citizen he has 1st amendment rights. As an agent of the state, he does not. "
apalled wrote on September 1, 2006 12:39 pm:
" reverse racism---If he were a member of the Black Panthers, he probably would have been jailed--just like their leaders were (and still are) for a crime that evidence proves they did not commit. It's apalling to even think that any Nebraskan would disagree with the actions taken against Henderson. "
who's next wrote on September 1, 2006 1:31 pm:
" If Bob lost his job because of an outside affilitation to a totally legal(maybe not moral), but legal organization, you all better look out. The government next may say if you belong to a certain religion, business group, or any legal organization that ruffles the feathers on someone, you too could be fired, disbarred and put in the public spotlight. Government has NO BUSINESS sticking their nose into this affair. Bob did nothing wrong from all reports. DID ANYONE OF YOU ACTUALLY READ HIS POST? How many of you have actually been in his situation where someone of another race won't leave your spouse alone? I'd bet most of you calling for him to go would probably act and say something totally different if it happened to you. "
This is Crazy ! wrote on September 1, 2006 1:54 pm:
" This man was NOT reading KKK material on the computer at work,whatever he does is his own business and people need to stay out of it, people here in Nebraska must live in a cave "MY" family right here in Lincoln have belonged to the KKK ever since 1924 and still are proud to say they do ! Ever since I can remember there were police officers, lawyers, judges, doctors who all belong as well ....wake up don`t let these people fool you !! This man has ever "RIGHT" to read, live and support whatever he chooses to , isn`t that what we call FREEDOM ! "
BPanter wrote on September 1, 2006 1:57 pm:
" Fascism and organizations who support it may not be synchronized with the mainstream; but we are seeing hate and intolerance in our nation's executive branch; is this individual closer to ideology that strikes out against groups they don't understand or want to understand? "
Work at Will wrote on September 1, 2006 2:12 pm:
" NE is a work at will state, you can be fired for no reason at any time. Some say that since they gave a reason that opens them up for trouble. I don't think so, this is not discrimination. When you are a public servant you are not to belong to these extremist organizations, this is made clear to you, you accept that sacrifice when you are hired, social workers are held to these standards, why not police? "
What is going on in Nebraska wrote on September 1, 2006 2:51 pm:
" People are defending this guy??? Crazy your family is in the KKK??? What is wrong with you people. "
JaneQ wrote on September 1, 2006 3:04 pm:
" "WHO" are "THESE" extremist groups? Are extremist states, such as Vatican City and Israel, examples of groups who alienate and are openly discriminate and are not welcoming to diversity of beliefa and may engage in various types of open discrimination? (Do union contracts sometimes require due orocess and defined causes for termination making work at will moot in some cases?) "
wakeup wrote on September 1, 2006 7:09 pm:
" Our founding fathers believed freedom of expression, speech and association were so important they put it into our bill of rights. The State has no right to interfere in those freedoms by terminating people for off-duty conduct that does not impact one's job performance. Perhaps you would like it if the state told you what you could think, who you could see, and what religion or political party was appropriate for you to belong. People defend Bob Henderson because they believe in those freedoms...it is our rights that can be at stake here, and it is the Bob Hendersons of the world who we need to defend from the power and abuse by governmental agents hell-bent on depriving everyone of us of the same rights. Shame on the Safety Council for knuckling under to the Jon Brunings and Brian Tumas of the world. Throw Ernie Chambers in there too...Bruning's lapdog and the defender of only those people whose constitutional rights he chooses to defend, when it suits his pro-Farakhan, anti-cop agenda. "
TB wrote on September 1, 2006 8:06 pm:
" Why can't you call a spade a spade. Lincoln is a racist town, NE is a racist state; the United State is a racist country and it goes on and ont. The beliefs and feelings of the KKK are alive and well, and NEBRASKANS are ok with that....why wouldn't you print H*nky...but you'll print a comment with N*gger? "
Paul wrote on September 1, 2006 10:57 pm:
" This man is not guilty of anything. He was only trying to do the right thing. That dude should quit hitting on his wife!!! "
Can We Fire Bruning and Ernie? wrote on September 1, 2006 11:06 pm:
" I do not ethically agree with his postings on a KKK related website, however I do respect his freedom to do so as long as not done while on the state time clock. Does his performance record in the past indicate a racial prejudice? It appears from what I have read he has been able to separate his personal beliefs from his public duties. Something Ernie and Bruning cannot do. Hey Ernie get a shirt and tie and pass the Bar Exam and maybe you can become the nest AG to succeed your puppeteer. "

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