PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — A board of trustee member for a township in Pickaway County accused of using a racial slur during a November meeting is speaking publicly for the first time.
On Nov. 17, the Scioto Township Board of Trustees – including Barton Fannin - discussed plans to include the Juneteenth holiday in the firefighters’ new contract.
In a recording of the meeting, a trustee said, “I did not realize that that was a freaking federal holiday.” Another trustee asked if Fannin knew what that meant.
That was when Fannin was heard describing Juneteenth as a racial epithet.
Another trustee is heard saying, “Woah! Don’t say that…”
Fannin issued an apology statement days following the incident.
“On November 17, 2023, at a meeting of the Scioto Township Trustees, I used language that was not only disrespectful but extremely hurtful and unacceptable. My deepest sympathy goes to every individual and family that I have hurt. I am truly sorry for my actions. This community is my home and for me to represent myself and my family in such a way is unacceptable. I have learned a lot from my actions, and I feel embarrassed by them. I hope over time I can earn this community's trust once again. Lastly, I want to apologize to my family. I have put you in a spot that as a husband, father, son, and brother I should have never put you in. I love all of you, I have let you down and I am truly sorry,” Fannin said in his written statement.
The apology also comes days after community members have called for Fannin to resign from the board of trustees.
Trustee Ralph Wolfe has publicly called for Fannin’s resignation, expressing that “no racial or derogatory slur is accepted within the realm of Scioto Township.”
“My call for Trustee Fannin’s resignation is not driven by hatred. I recognize and commend his work ethic, but the use of such language is fundamentally at odds with the values of Scioto Township,” Wolfe stated in part.
The Scioto Township Board of Trustees has called for a special meeting on Wednesday to further address the Nov. 17 incident and the calls for Fannin to resign.
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