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EGLIN AFB — A complaint about “Duck Dynasty” bumper stickers on civilian contractors’ vehicles has sparked national media attention and an investigation by base officials.
After a union employee complained about a supervisor’s “I support Phil” sticker, Eglin’s 96th Test Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Dave Harris, ordered a thorough review of the matter and sought legal counsel.
“This is a serious matter,” said Andy Bourland, director of public affairs at Eglin Air Force Base. “We take equal opportunity very seriously.”
The bumper sticker and controversy surrounding the complaint has made the national news. Fox News reported Thursday that representatives of the American Federation of Government Employees union at Eglin were demanding the removal of two “senior management officials” who had displayed the “Phil” stickers.
Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the “Duck Dynasty” crew of reality television fame, has been criticized for comments he has made that some saw as anti-homosexual and possibly racist.
Fox reported that Alan Cooper, an executive vice president of the local AFGE, claimed a union employee had been “disgusted and offended” by a supervisor’s display of the bumper sticker.
“These two particular individuals have a great amount of influence over individuals who may be gay, who may be African-American,” Fox quoted Cooper as saying.
Cooper told the Daily News on Thursday that he was not allowed to address the matter.
“I wish I could,” he said. “Our president said I can’t.”
Cooper read a statement from Thad Wallace, president of AFGE Local 1897.
“This issue is still under investigation,” it said. “Our local will provide comment if necessary when the investigation is complete.”
Bourland said base officials had given the employee who had voiced the concern multiple opportunities to discuss the matter.
“We made three attempts through the union representation to have a more formal meeting on the matter,” he said. “Those offers were declined.”
Base officials sought legal counsel, who advised that the bumper sticker was protected under the First Amendment.
“As you drive across Eglin or any installation or any community, there are a number of bumper stickers that have the same protection under the First Amendment, whether we agree or disagree on the matter,” Bourland said.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Tom McLaughlin at 850-315-4435 or tmclaughlin@nwfdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomMnwfdn.
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