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A long-serving Federal Bureau of Investigation intelligence specialist has brought a lawsuit stating he was terminated for displaying a rainbow symbol in his office space.

As per the former employee, who was employed in the agency over a decade and a half, his firing earlier this year is being described as “illegal and discriminatory”.

Judicial Case Asserts Constitutional Infringements

The lawsuit contends that the bureau violated the plaintiff’s First Amendment rights and took punitive steps toward him due to expressing constitutionally covered expression.

The former specialist is requesting a judicial directive to reinstate his job at the bureau.

Information of the Complaint

The 18-page complaint, filed in a Washington court in Washington, D.C., claims that the employee was terminated from his training in October over earlier showing the banner at his workstation.

According to the filing, the Pride flag was presented to Maltinsky in recognition of his contributions to support the agency’s equality efforts.

“From a young age, my goal has been to serve my country and protect the nation’s safety alongside the talented and committed personnel at the agency,” said the former employee.

He continued, I showed that symbol – which in 2021 was displayed at a federal building – not for political reasons, but as a symbol of diversity, togetherness and fair treatment.

These principles that previously strengthened a robust FBI. Now it is a place where employees like me are targeted. I think I was terminated not on account of my identity, but rather because of what I represent: a proud gay man,” he said.

Abrupt Dismissal Prior to Graduation

Earlier this year, the employee gained admission to the bureau’s agent training program at Quantico, Virginia, until what he described as “abrupt dismissal just three weeks before finishing”.

The complaint additionally states that eventually following the 2017 inauguration, an colleague expressed an issue to his manager regarding the display of the LGBTQ+ symbol.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the employee requested that the legal advisor for the local bureau examine if the exhibition of the LGBTQ+ banner was permissible,” the document noted.

It further mentioned, The advisor advised the plaintiff that showing of the banner was not against any policy, rule, or regulation.”

Notification of Termination

However, on the first of October, the employee was notified of his firing.

In correspondence mentioned in the complaint, FBI director the official commented, I decided that you used improper judgment by exhibiting of a partisan emblem in your work area during your previous assignment at the Los Angeles Field Office.

“Pursuant to the Constitution of the U.S. Constitution, and regulations of the United States, your employment at the bureau is concluded.”

Lawyer Remarks

In a statement released recently, Maltinsky’s lawyer his counsel stated, The current leadership’s illegal termination forms part of an extensive initiative to remove government departments of employees that possess alternative perspectives, or belong to underrepresented communities, or individuals that challenge bias.

His case is not just about him, but also about ensuring the rights and freedoms of all federal employees.”

Bureau Reply

The FBI refused to respond regarding the case.

Similar Legal Cases

The case follows another one lodged recently by previous top agency personnel who said they had been wrongfully terminated.

They alleged that the director claimed he was instructed by the president’s office to terminate any employee associated with an inquiry regarding the former president.

Meanwhile, the bureau fired a long-serving employee earlier this month following the director reportedly became furious over news that the agency head had taken a government jet to be present at a match where his girlfriend sang the Star-Spangled Banner.

The veteran, an agency staffer for many years, was dismissed from leading the bureau’s emergency unit, which manages serious incidents and FBI planes.