Assemblywoman Mathtylde Frontus (D-Coney Island, Bath Beach, Bay Ridge, Brighton Beach, Gravesend) today abruptly fired a staffer who sent out a xenophobic message on Facebook urging New Yorkers to avoid Chinese businesses as the city is grappling with the coronavirus.
The Daily News, which first reported the missive from Frontus’ office assistant and receptionist, Marilyn Franks, had her posting: “We urge citizens to stay away from Chinese supermarkets, shops, fast food outlets, Restaurant, [sic] and Business. Most of the owners went back to China to celebrate the Chinese New [Year] Celebrations. They are returning and some are bringing along the Coronavirus. Rather be safe than sorry.”
The publicity caused Democratic District Leader Nancy Tong – the only publically elected Chinese-American official in all of Brooklyn – to call a press conference tomorrow demanding Frontus fire Franks and also for Borough President Eric Adams to remove his appointee Ron Stewart from Community Board 13 for alleged racist comments against Asian Americans amid coronavirus fears.
Frontus preempted the press conference doing just that today.
“Any expression of bigotry does not represent me, my values, or my record of fighting for racial unity and understanding. The employee no longer works for me, and my entire staff will complete further cultural sensitivity training,” Fontus said in a statement.
“It has never been more important to speak out against racism and ignorance. Bigotry and fear based on misinformation can take hold in communities that do not talk to each other. In the midst of a public health crisis, in the heart of the most international city in America, we cannot afford panic and prejudice,” she added.
Adams had no comment on the matter, but Stewart, who wrote on Facebook, “Chinese restaurants in our community make millions of dollars off us. They don’t hire us; don’t donate to any of our events and express racism against us,” had more to say on the matter.
“I myself have never been Anti-Asian,” Stewart told the Kings County Politics, saying that he has Asian neighbors that he communicates with on a daily basis.
“What I tried to say was that we still give the Asian community support, even though they do not hire us or give donations to our organizations,” said Stewart.
“I think Frontus’ staff member made a bad decision by posting it,” Stewart told the KCP, adding that he knew the staffer, and believed that she did not have bad intentions. “She shouldn’t be terminated but should have a chance to correct her wrong,” Stewart’s earlier Facebook comment stated.
“I think people should’ve let Frontus handle it. Give the staffer sensitivity training,” Stewart added.
Stewart said that he expects Tong to ask that Adams remove him from the community board. “It is his decision. I’ve always been nothing but honest and genuine for many years,” he said.
