🔗 Share this article

An experienced FBI intelligence specialist has initiated legal action stating his dismissed for having an LGBTQ+ banner at his office space.

As per the plaintiff, that served in the agency for 16 years, the termination in the past months is being described as “improper and biased”.

Court Action Claims Free Speech Breaches

The lawsuit argues that the agency infringed upon the plaintiff’s First Amendment protections and took punitive action toward him due to expressing legally safeguarded expression.

Maltinsky is seeking a judicial directive to restore his position within the agency.

Details in the Complaint

The comprehensive lawsuit, lodged in a Washington court in the nation’s capital, states that the plaintiff was terminated from the Quantico facility recently because of previously exhibiting the banner at his workstation.

Per the complaint, the LGBTQ+ banner was given to Maltinsky in recognition of his efforts to support the bureau’s equality efforts.

“From a young age, all I have wanted to do was to serve my country and protect its security alongside the talented and committed personnel of the FBI,” said Maltinsky.

He continued, I showed that banner – which once was displayed at the Los Angeles office – not to make a political point, but as a representation of diversity, togetherness and fair treatment.

These ideals that helped build the FBI strong. Now it is a place where employees like me are singled out. I am convinced I was dismissed not on account of my person, but what I am: an openly gay individual,” he concluded.

Sudden Dismissal Just ahead of Completion

Earlier this year, Maltinsky was enrolled in the federal agent training academy at Quantico, Virginia, up until his “sudden termination only weeks prior to graduation”.

The lawsuit additionally states that at some point following the 2017 inauguration, an colleague reported an issue to the overseeing official regarding the exhibition of the LGBTQ+ symbol.

To be safe, Maltinsky asked that the legal advisor at the L.A. office review whether the exhibition of the LGBTQ+ banner was permissible,” the filing stated.

The document continued, The legal officer informed the plaintiff that exhibiting of the symbol was not against any policy, rule, or regulation.”

Informing of Termination

However, on 1 October, the plaintiff was informed of his firing.

In correspondence referenced in the lawsuit, agency head the director commented, “I have determined that you demonstrated poor judgment by exhibiting of a partisan emblem in your work area during your previous assignment in Los Angeles.

In accordance with federal law of the United States Constitution, and regulations of the United States, your employment at the bureau is concluded.”

Legal Statement

In a statement released on Wednesday, his attorney Kerrie Riggs remarked, The government’s illegal termination is part of an extensive initiative to rid federal agencies of staff who may have alternative perspectives, or represent underrepresented communities, or who dare oppose prejudice.

This battle is not only for him, but also about ensuring the entitlements and freedoms of all public servants.”

Agency Reaction

The FBI did not provide a statement on the lawsuit.

Similar Lawsuits

The case follows a separate case submitted earlier by three former senior FBI officials who said they’d been improperly dismissed.

They alleged that the director claimed he was directed by the White House to dismiss any official participating in a probe regarding the former president.

Additionally, the FBI dismissed a nearly three-decade veteran recently subsequent to the official reportedly became furious due to accounts that the bureau chief used an official aircraft to go to a match where his girlfriend performed the anthem.

The veteran, a bureau veteran for many years, was removed as head of the bureau’s emergency unit, which manages major security threats and the bureau’s aircraft.