Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch Stripped of Committee Assignments Following Racial Slur Incident
Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch has been removed from all his committee assignments after admitting to using a racial slur during a conversation with a county employee. The decision came after a 3-1 vote by fellow commissioners, with Deutsch opposing the motion and one commissioner absent.
The controversy dates back to December, when D’Juan Harris, the former director of the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, reported that Deutsch had used a slur Initially, Deutsch denied recalling the incident, but during a February 11 commission meeting, he acknowledged making the comment.
During that meeting, residents and some officials urged Deutsch to resign. Although he was required to complete workplace management training—which he has since finished—the latest board meeting resulted in his removal from committee assignments. Commissioners expressed concerns over the inconsistency of Deutsch’s statements and the potential harm to the board’s credibility.
His removal affects several committee roles, including positions with the Charlotte Veterans Council, the Historical Advisory Committee, and the Airport Authority. However, despite public pressure, Deutsch has not stepped down. Since his term extends until 2026, any further action regarding his position would require intervention from Governor Ron DeSantis.
Deutsch has served as a county commissioner since first being elected in 2010. His future on the board remains uncertain as community members and officials continue to voice concerns.
