HOUSTON—Mayor Bill White is weighing in to the billowing controversy surrounding allegations of racial and sexual harrassment at the Houston Fire Department. 

11 News photo

Mayor Bill White weighs in on HFD racial incidents.

“I want some independent group that has legal expertise to come in here and advice us on what to do,” said the mayor following a series of recent inflammatory incidents.

Several months ago, a rope that appeared to some to be a hangman’s noose was found hanging inside a fire station captain’s locker. 

On Wednesday, a racist rant was picked up over a radio frequency used by Houston firefighters, a few hours after racist and sexist graffiti was discovered scrolled onto the lockers and personal belongings of two female firefighters.

“The acts of a few do not represent the vast majority of the good men and women who serve in the Houston Fire Department,” added Mayor White. 

Some city council members want the feds to intervene, suggesting there’s no other way to bring about change. 

“Let them come in and decide for themselves if there’s a real problem here,” said Councilwoman Jolanda Jones, who sent a letter to the Justice Department requesting intervention.

There have been calls for Fire Chief Phil Boriskie to step down, but the Mayor does not agree. 

He praised Boriskie for improving diversity, while acknowledging the department has problems. 

“Like any big family, not everyone gets along and we need to work harder to improve the culture,” said Mayor White.