Concerns Arise Over City Employee's Extremist Views

Extremist Views Stir Concern in Oklahoma City Workplace

In Oklahoma City, an employee named Dillon Awes has become a sourceof concern among his colleagues due tothe extreme views he's expressed, particularly againstthe LGBTQ+ community. Awes wears two hats: by day, he's an application support technicianfor city government, and by night, he's a preacher at Anchor Baptist Church, a place knownfor its anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.

Dillon Awes: Two Faces, One Individual

At his church, Awes doesn't hold back on hateful sermons advocating extreme action against LGBTQ+ folks, leaving many coworkers apprehensive. Interestingly, in his professional life, Awes comes across as "bright" and "polite" accordingto those who work with him closely, presenting a stark contrastto his fiery public persona.

Workplace Anxiety Grows

Starting out as a grounds maintenance worker in 2024, Awes climbedthe ranks totake on an IT role. Shockingly, it seems his controversial sermons and affiliations went unnoticed during background checks. Now, his coworkers are left withan unsettling fear. "It's terrifying," one LGBTQ+ coworker confessed. "You just don't expect that kindof hatred from someone you share a workspace with." Employees across thespectrum are now worried about their safety at work.

Scrutinizing Hiring Practices and Oversight

Kristy Yager, who's speaking on behalf oft he city, explained that HR managers typically don't do internet searches on job candidates dueto time limits. But with this incident, people are questioning that policy, especially given Awes' high-profile background. "It's concerning that there was no thorough vet," remarked a city employee. "You'd think a quick internet search would be standard, particularly when hiringfor sensitive positions."

The Reach and Influenceof Hate Organizations

Awes' ordination comes from Jonathan Shelley, co-founderof Stedfast Baptist Church, which has a notorious reputationfor targeting Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities. Both churches are considered hate groups bythe Southern Poverty Law Center and are partofthe New Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Movement,a group pushing extremist beliefs.

Looking at Wider Implications

Rev. David Wheeler from New Covenant Christian Church, a more inclusive congregation, weighed in onthe unfolding drama. "Sure, he's gotthe rightto express himself," Wheeler said. "But when those words fuel violence and fear, we've got a problem. We need work environments where everyone can feel safe and respected."

As thematter continues brewing, employees are calling on officials toreassess hiring procedures so something like this doesn't happen again. Creating a safe and welcoming workplace shouldn't just be a goal—it should be a priority. This situation highlights exactly why thorough background checks are so essential, especiallyfor public figures in influential roles.

Awes' roles as both a city employee and a hate preacher serve as a grim reminder that hate speech can seepinto our communities, leaving fear and disruption in its wake. His coworkers' concerns are another urgent callfor workplace policies that protect everyone's safety and foster inclusivity.

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