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A Department of Correction officer was terminated Tuesday for violating employee conduct and social media policies. DOC officials said Officer Anthony Marlak’s speech threatens the safety of staff and inmates who are Muslim. In the termination letter, DOC Warden Amonda Hannah wrote, “Your personal use of social media has undermined the public’s confidence in your ability to function in your position.”
A DOC investigation at the Cheshire Correctional Institution found that Marlak reposted a meme on Facebook with five apparently Muslim men hanging from nooses. A caption read “Islamic wind chimes.” Marlak added commentary, saying, “I think I found the best meme on the planet!!”