The image posted by a Kennebunk Savings Bank employee showed a smiling dog with a superimposed caption that read, “I BIT A MUSLIM.” The post was later deleted, but not before a member of the public saw the image, took a screenshot of the post and sent it to Kennebunk Savings.
Kennebunk Savings Vice President of Corporate Communications Heather Harris said the bank will not be releasing the woman’s name.
On Friday, the bank announced through its Facebook page and website that the employee was no longer employed at the bank because of the post.
“We expect all of our employees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect,” the bank said on its Facebook page. “The images are not appropriate, the themes portrayed in the images are unacceptable to the Board of Directors, our management team and our employees, and in no way reflect the views or values of Kennebunk Savings.”
The post garnered dozens of comments by Tuesday afternoon, with an even split of users stating the employee had every right to post about their beliefs, and others applauding the bank for moving quickly on the matter.
In a press release posted to its website, the bank stated that it has no tolerance for discrimination of any kind.
“Kennebunk Savings will not tolerate harassment, bullying, workplace violence or discrimination of any type,” the press release read. “Kennebunk Savings has a long-standing tradition of serving our community and we believe anyone who has first-hand knowledge of our institution knows us for our core values of honesty, integrity and inclusiveness, and our steadfast commitment to our employees, customers and the community.”
— Staff Writer Ryder Schumacher can be reached at 282-1535, or via email at rschumacher@journaltribune.com.
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