Ashley Church’s Post

[UPDATES BELOW] Dear FortisBC, This is your employee, Tobi Nishimura Bowden, Transmission Permitting Representative. I don't know her and never interacted with her before, and yet she came to harass me on social media. FYI, the word "zio" was introduced by David Duke, ex-KKK leader, as a derogatory slur for people believing that Jews have a right to self determination. In my opinion, Tobi Nishimura Bowden's inappropriate behavior and open support for terrorism discredits your company. I tried to reach out to your HR department directly, but did not get a response. I'm looking forward to your reaction to the matter. Update 12/18: FortisBC reached out to me to discuss this incident, so I'm hopeful that they are taking this seriously. I'll keep posting updates, as the situation develops. Update 12/19: I spoke with the Senior Manager of Employee Relations at FortisBC. She assured me that they are taking the issue very seriously, that the investigation is ongoing, and asked me a few clarifying questions. It was a good conversation and I am grateful that they are acknowledging the inappropriateness of their employee's behaviour. Unfortunately, due to privacy laws in BC, I cannot receive any updates on the investigation process or its results.  Some personal reflections: hateful speech often leads to physical violence. I cannot—and do not want to—know or control what people think inside their heads. But as a society, we must draw the line and hold the line of civility. It is each person's responsibility to strongly push back against conduct that is deemed unacceptable.