Editor’s Note: This article contains language that may be offensive to some readers.

5:16pm, Update: As of Thursday, Nov. 15, Ethan Hutton has resigned from TUPD.

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, Tulane University’s Police Department announced the hiring of three new police officers – Ethan Hutton, Derrick Tomberlin and Martin Mapp.  

The Hullabaloo discovered that two of the new hires posted publicly visible content that is at odds with Tulane policies on their personal social media pages.

In a Facebook post from October 2017, Hutton updated his cover photo with an internet meme which stated, “When I say cease your faggtory, you cease it!” Behind the quote, a person dressed in military apparel is raising a gun to a target outside of the image.

Additionally, in a Facebook post from 2014, Hutton shared an image saying, “Last night, I dreamed that I killed all the saggers, all the swaggers & all of their duckface girlfriends… It was called: The Yolocaust.”

His profile also contains several posts regarding his time in the United States Army, some of which referred to his tour in Afghanistan.

One post reads, “So….I’ve been in this shit infested country of goat fuc…..herders, and haven’t been blown up once or….or shot at……WTF!?!?!?? Am I not good enough for them or something?” Another refers to the country  as “Asscrackistan”.

Hutton is not the only new officer with controversial posts. On Nov. 10, Tomberlin shared a post with an image saying, “Only 90’s kids will remember this.” Behind the text, a form contains a question asking, “Are you male or female?” There are only two answer choices — male or female.

During TUPD’s hiring process, applicants must complete several steps including a series of interviews and physical agility tests. Following the completion of those steps, candidates must undergo several screenings, including a background investigation.

These posts raise questions of the validity of the process, however, as they contradict the university’s commitment to a “diverse and inclusive community.” In a statement regarding equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policies, Tulane outlines its promise to support all students regardless of their identity.

“In support of this commitment, Tulane University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices or educational programs/activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, military status, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state or local law,” the statement says.

According to Mike Strecker, the executive director of Tulane’s Public Relations, TUPD is reviewing the event and is committed to serving all students.

“TUPD is investigating this incident. These posts appear on the private social media accounts of two newly hired officers and in no way reflect the opinion or attitudes of the Tulane University Police Department whose officers are sworn to serve, protect and value all members of the Tulane community,” he said.

In a follow up statement about the investigation, Strecker said the two officers have been placed on leave for the time being.

“Based on our initial findings both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.” Strecker said.

The Hullabaloo will be following this story with updates to come.