ACLU speaks on McKee firing state staffer over public comments on Israel-Hamas war

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Following the termination of state staffer Miguel Sanchez, the Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union is speaking out.

The ACLU said that there are limitations of free speech when working for a public figure like Gov. Dan McKee, but noted it’s not clear if that would apply to Sanchez’s job at the State House.

Steven Brown, the Executive Director of ACLU Rhode Island, said in a situation like this, First Amendment rights are not absolute.

“A major elected official like the Governor has the right to have policy-making staff who are in line with his views and don’t undermine his agenda, but at the same time, you don’t give up your rights to express your personal views off hours,” Brown explained.

Sanchez, who also serves on Providence City Council, was terminated from his constituent services job by McKee on Friday.

The termination came after Sanchez’s public comments on the Israel-Hamas War, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and attending the “All Out for Palestine” rally and march through Providence on Oct. 22.

“We do believe that the governor should have more of a reason than just to say he really disagrees with Mr. Sanchez’s personal views, he should explain why that disagreement affects, or how it affects his role as governor, or Mr. Sanchez’s role in the office and we haven’t seen that,” Brown said.

McKee has yet to speak publicly on the issue.

In an email Tuesday, McKee’s office told ABC 6 News, “While we do not comment on the details of personnel matters, we can say that the individual’s words and actions became a major distraction to the daily work of the governor’s office.”

According to Brown, it can be dangerous territory not explicitly explaining to the public what happened between Sanchez and McKee.

“Without that, I think it can send a chilling message to other people, who have to be very careful, walking on eggshells anytime they want to express their views personally on a political issue,” Brown said.

In an interview with ABC 6 on Monday, Sanchez said he does not regret voicing his beliefs.

“In terms of being able to speak for what I believe in and what I think is right, it’s definitely going to help be go to sleep with a peaceful mind tonight, and I mean that’s priceless, if I have that going for me then I’ll be okay,” Sanchez said.

The governor’s office said McKee has no further comment on the firing of Sanchez.

The governor also had no public events held on Tuesday.