Ithaca farmers market leader quits after racist incident allegations

[ad_1]

ITHACA, NY Ithaca Farmers Market executive director Anton Burkett has resigned after being accused of racist behavior in a recent incident in the marketplace involving a black employee.

The Ithaca Farmers Markets board of directors confirmed the resignation in a statement to Ithaca Voice on Saturday October 16, and said Burketts’ resignation was effective October 7. Burkett is a well-known figure in the local organic food and agriculture scene and has been the leader of the farmer’s market since September 2020.

The Ithaca Farmers Market Board of Directors extends our sincere apologies to our community in light of a recent incident involving the treatment by our Executive Directors of a young employee, read the statement, signed by the Board of Directors steps. We recognize that this incident was mismanaged and compounded by a series of unprofessional and racist actions and decisions.

Specifically, the incident apparently occurred during a recent working day when Burkett noticed that a substantial amount of cash was missing from his wallet in the market office, along with other office items. . Only two employees next to Burkett had access to the office, one of which is BlackBurkett then ostensibly accused this employee of the theft. Another employee was later found in possession of the items.

Burkett said that once the situation was over, the black employee, who is underage, indicated that [Burketts] the handling of the situation left them feeling accused of theft and distinguished on the basis of their race.

I was not aware of the impact of my actions until I heard the account of the feelings of the young employees after the incident was over, Burkett wrote in a statement. At that point, I realized that I was handling this situation insensitive to the different ways we experience the world. It was particularly insensitive to how a member of a racially marginalized group would receive my actions.

Burkett continued that after realizing the pain I had caused the employee and his family, I immediately sent a sincere apology. Days later, after reflecting on the situation, Burkett said he resigned from his post. Now he has said he is looking for ways to fill in the gaps in his racial awareness and grow from the process so he can provide leadership in the future.

Board chairman David Stern declined to identify the employee because of his age. He said in an interview that the farmer’s market community reacted strongly to the situation as versions of the story spread, but that he appreciates the people who hold the market accountable.

We recognize IFM’s responsibility for decisive action due to the harm this has caused and for examining the underlying context in which that harm has occurred, the Board letter reads. The executive director expressed his deep regret and apologized, and in response to comments and calls for decisive action, he tendered his resignation. We accepted his resignation knowing full well that while it meets the immediate need for accountability, it is only one step towards promoting and embodying diversity, equity, inclusion and of the fight against racism in our market.

The resignation comes at a crucial time for the Farmers’ Market as it seeks to find out what should be included in its planned extensive renovations that could take place over the next few years. Word of the resignation began to spread widely last week in a Reddit article, although some details of that article were disputed by Stern and Burkett, particularly that the board had told market sellers to remain silent about the incident.

The IFM Board of Directors is fully aware that the news of this incident has reverberated throughout our community, the statement concludes. We humbly ask for your support and goodwill as we navigate the future of MFIs with a new awareness of the lessons learned.

[ad_2]