Alberta school trustee Jim Andre remains at work after series of racist tweets

Society's ongoing expansion into social media has again left us asking to what levels public officials should be held accountable for messages they post online.

From “sexist” firefighters in Toronto to an Ontario detective who attacked the province’s ombudsman, those employed by taxpayers have again and again found themselves in trouble for comments made on Twitter, Facebook and personal blogs.

In some cases, the problems results in termination. But in the case of elected officials, it can be a little more complicated.

Take Jim Andre, a central Alberta school trustee who has been accused of tweeting racist, sexist and homophobic messages. Andre admits his actions were a mistake but refuses to step down.

Andre's Twitter account has since been shut down but CBC News managed to obtain a few of the messages.

[ Related: Mayor Rob Ford’s crack use 'weakens' Toronto’s brand ]

In May, Andre's account sent a message that read, "Watching black people on maury povich ... not hard to tell the porch monkey gene still runs wild."

Andre also retweeted (or forwarded) messages posted by others that said, "The real crime of Auschwitz? All those carbon emissions," and, "Why were so many blacks killed during Vietnam? 'Cause every time the Sargeant (sic) said 'get down' they stood up and started dancing."

The Battle River School Division in Canmore, Alta., released a statement distancing itself from the comments and saying all elected officials are held to a high standard.

"The Board of Trustees of Battle River School Division would like to express its commitment to the school division's foundational beliefs, which include treating everyone with dignity and respect and providing a safe, caring, inclusive environment in which to learn and work," the statement reads.

[ More Brew: Attacks on Muslims tied to debate over Quebec’s charter ]

Recently, three Toronto firefighters were fired after posting questionable messages on social media. Their union continues to fight the terminations, but Toronto Fire Services has argues that the behaviour in unacceptable and creates an unhealthy work environment.

The same argument could be used against Andre, who works in the education system. If Andre were a teacher, he might even face similar punishment.

But Andre holds a position to which he was elected, meaning that he can't simply be fired. And while the school board is working to get Andre to step down, he told CBC News that he wasn't homophobic, that the tweets were a mistake and that he would continue working.

It's funny, being elected to a position would suggest that one would be required to be held to a higher standard. Instead, it is often used as a shield for horrible behaviour.

Toronto knows what I'm talking about.

Want to know what news is brewing in Canada?
Follow @MRCoutts on Twitter