Patrick sent a message to Kelly S. King – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BBT Corporation – Email Address that said:
Mr. King,
My name is Patrick and I have worked within your organization for going on two years now. I am writing to you after an unfortunate incident that led to what I felt was a disproportionate decision to terminate my employment with the company.
I work at the Triad Center in Greensboro as a team lead for the Merchant Services department. I have loved every minute with BBT and sincerely saw it as a place to call home for my lifetime career. I am a graduate from High Point University with two degrees in Business Marketing and Psychology. Three weeks ago, a member of my team, in jest of a recent incident she had made mention of confronting a police member. This woman is an African-American female and an excellent addition and member of the Merchant Services team. Due to the recent influx in media and negative attention towards police officers and the community who have sadly lost their lives it has been a topic of conversation in not just out workplace, but many across the world. In response to the employees notion of challenging authority, and as we had been discussing the recent current events, I joked to her "haven't you been watching the news, you know whats been happening to black folks fighting the system."
I want to begin by saying, on paper, and outside of the context I fully understand that this comment can be out of line, disrespectful, misplaced, and even insensitive. However, in no angle to make excuses, I am aware that the woman who heard this knew I was joking, in context with our conversation. However, this statement was overheard by another and word began to spread of the comment.
I am deeply apologetic that I was not more aware of my surroundings, at that my comfort level and relationship with one employee impeded my ability to be fully aware that not all would understand context and the family-esq relationship that my team bares. I was prepared to have a stiff punishment, probation, and possibly courses to learn workplace awareness, verbiage, and re-establish a more professional setting. I have no history of negative comments or any disciplinary action with BBT. I started as a temporary employee and worked up to full-time and then to a team lead position all within 24 months. I am so deeply saddened by the banks decision to separate my employment and feel it may have been in haste and disproportionate to the offense.
I was informed through the investigation process that the woman who the comment was made to was not the one offended and she understand the joking manner we were partaking in, but that others around were offended. For this I was willing to apologize, and rebuild on. I have not yet had that chance. My department has new leadership which made for a perfect storm for this negative outcome. As with new leadership, who is not in the same city as you (I am in Greensboro and the department leadership is in Wilson) it is difficult to take into account the context and personality/relationship when situations like these occur.
I am writing to you in the slim hopes that I may find favor and understanding. I believe that you hold the Christian morals that I do and I seek only mercy and forgiveness, but most of all understanding. As a young professional I know I have much to earn, though I earnestly prescribe to be the best person, and could have learned from this appropriately, and never made the same mistake again. Through guidance I know the team I have worked side-by-side with would not only be welcome to discussing this situation but that we could grow together from it, and build even stronger, the bond we have built already. I hope this letter finds you and conveys my sincere regret and desire to continue with BBT and grow in its core values, continuing to share my experience and lessons with those before and after me.
If possible, I would love a second-chance and know that my coworkers, and direct manager Darrell Carson, would love for me to be back.
