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Jerry Foxhoven, former head of Iowa's Department of Human Services (DHS), was asked to resign his position in June.
This request came shortly after Foxhoven sent an organization-wide email celebrating Father's Day and Tupac's birthday, which happened to be on the same day.
The email included the quote:
"Pay no mind to those who talk behind your back, it simply means that you are 2 steps ahead."
The email also celebrated that the day would mark Jerry's second full year as DHS director.
Unfortunately, when Jerry returned to work the following Monday, he was suddenly asked to resign his position.
Foxhoven has a history of sharing his love for Tupac's music and his message. Another of his emails included the incredibly relevant quote:
"It's time for us as a people to start makin' some changes."
According to emails obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request by Tim Mak which were shared on Twitter, Jerry's emails were often well received.
People seemed to enjoy his Tupac quote. "Hello Jerry, I'm Kathy a psychologist [on staff]... thank you for the in… https://t.co/Qh97RgsREZ— Tim Mak (@Tim Mak) 1563373040.0
Another staffer named Yvonne responded:
"Great to be on a team of people who care!"
Not all of those working under Jerry appreciated his enthusiasm for Tupac, however.
Jerry seems to understand some people don't like it when he quotes Tupac. Staff: "I love your 2PAC messages... t… https://t.co/wwuwxgy5Ho— Tim Mak (@Tim Mak) 1563374205.0
So apparently there was a snitch at the Iowa Department of Human Services. "99% [enjoy your messages], not like t… https://t.co/gkrD4ISUe6— Tim Mak (@Tim Mak) 1563375796.0
The internet is largely confused by Jerry's forced resignation.
Most seem to think he seems like a great guy who was just trying to spread a little inspiration using quotes from his favorite lyricist.
Many on Twitter appreciated Jerry's message of love, and his love of Tupac.
@MJ_GIA I was just thinking #JerryFoxhoven must have been an inspirational boss truly devoted to the mission. What… https://t.co/IHk2zRPLXz— kelly hannan-chuba (@kelly hannan-chuba) 1563415140.0
If #JerryFoxhoven, a 66 year old man in Iowa loves Tupac that much, then there is still hope that we can save this… https://t.co/bWwsmEnNNW— Write Better (@Write Better) 1563438571.0
Jerry Foxhoven is invited to every cookout from now on. Respeck 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 #JerryFoxhoven— Oprah's son (@Oprah's son) 1563400150.0
He told colleagues he was inspired by lyrics that included: “It’s time for us as a people to start makin’ some chan… https://t.co/2VGI7sSXXY— Tim Mak (@Tim Mak) 1563366216.0
Some wished him a speedy job hunt and hoped he would find a workplace that appreciated his love of Tupac.
Jerry Foxhoven- You might’ve just been too cool for Iowa. I hope your phone blows up with amazing job offers. ❤️ #Tupac #JerryFoxhoven— Chey Cab (@Chey Cab) 1563417086.0
we need more #jerryfoxhoven in the world; someone find him another job ASAP so he can continue sharing his stanning… https://t.co/RrrEEBNGUA— Clarabelle Perez (@Clarabelle Perez) 1563402963.0
Others expressed sympathy and support for Jerry.
@dolphan55 Wherever #JerryFoxhoven is, someone needs to buys him a beer and tell him.... https://t.co/sQIOTNVctH— The Mason Storm (@The Mason Storm) 1563394455.0
There was also much criticism of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who will not confirm or deny whether she asked Foxhoven to resign because of his Tupac-related emails.
Jerry Foxhoven is a real ass dude and shouldn’t have lost his job. @IAGovernor you’re a lame ass dude for this one.… https://t.co/uhgIu0mRnn— Stan Lovely (@Stan Lovely) 1563387636.0
Iowa has sent a white supremacist, @SteveKingIA, to the US Congress for the last eight terms, but #JerryFoxhoven wa… https://t.co/KLXBIE1LnD— Bishop Talbert Swan (@Bishop Talbert Swan) 1563399228.0
Thugs and Hero's come in different colors shapes and sizes give #JerryFoxhoven his job back!!! #ThugLife https://t.co/f0CbGdskyl— ξαΕ-βεε (@ξαΕ-βεε) 1563339970.0
@BuniculaTv @timkmak I was wondering why a white man from Iowa was trending and to find out it was the firing of a… https://t.co/8NZQJoQybn— Elena Christopoulos (@Elena Christopoulos) 1563401424.0
Tupac Shakur was an amazing and inspiring rapper and poet, and it's no wonder that Foxhoven is such a fan.
We can only hope that his next employer will appreciate his love of Tupac as much as the internet does.
Tupac Shakur's book of poetry, The Rose That Grew From Concrete, is available here.
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