FBI Employee Fights Back After Being Fired Over Pride Flag

A former FBI worker is taking legal action against the Department of Justice and the FBI. He claims he was fired unfairly because he had a Progress Pride Flag in his office. This flag was given to him by the FBI and had been displayed for years with his bosses' approval. The worker, David Maltinsky, had been with the FBI since 2009. He worked as an intelligence specialist and was even training to become a special agent. He received awards for his work on diversity and inclusion. Maltinsky believes this is why he was targeted. FBI Director Kash Patel fired Maltinsky in October. The reason given was that the flag was seen as political. Maltinsky disagrees. He says the flag was a personal expression of his identity as a gay man. Maltinsky's lawyer argues that the firing was politically motivated. He points out that the flag was not a political statement but a personal one. The lawsuit claims that Maltinsky's rights were violated. It seeks his reinstatement to the FBI. The FBI has not commented on the lawsuit. This case comes at a time when the federal government is facing criticism for its approach to diversity and inclusion.