When news stories surrounding celebrities usually target indulgence or scandals, Tyler Perry made headlines for a different reason, and one that was purely a misfortunate case of generosity.
Recently, Perry was in the news again, this time for trying to offer cash to TSA employees as a thank you for doing their job. Perry was likely trying to appreciate the employees and offer them a token of thank you for their service, or out of sheer irritancy to the TSA personnel.
Unfortunately, Perry’s attempt to be generous became a lesson in ethics and federal laws. According the official TSA website (tsa.gov), Directive No. 200.58 states:
Gifts: Refers to any tangible or intangible item, donation, bequest or devise of money, including checks, money orders, other forms of negotiable instruments, and the use of services, equipment, personnel, and facilities.
NOTE: Gifts may be either conditional (i.e. limitations on ownership and/or use by TSA) or unconditional (i.e., no limitations). TSA may accept unconditional and conditional non-monetary gifts (e.g. service, equipment, personnel, or facilities) from outside sources under ATSA. However, for gifts of money, TSA must follow additional DHS polices and instructions,including review by the Office of General Counsel prior to acceptance when it is a conditional gift.
TSA employees are strictly prohibited from accepting gifts from patrons and doing so could place them in a position whereby there would be suspected favoritism, collusion, or bias – not to mention the fact that the offer would most likely be considered a bribe or subversive to the exercise of their duties. As such, the employees are required to refuse gift. Perry was likely unaware of the laws in place regarding his generosity. Ariell Coates, a Freshman Political Science Major said “ I understand they aren’t supposed to take it but they have families and responsibilities to take care of”.
This particular interaction raises wider issues regarding expressions of gratitude in public spaces, notably with respect to civil servants.Freshman, Mass Communications Major Hope Malone stated “Tyler always tries to make sure everyone is satisfied.” Most employees in highly demanding, service-oriented roles such as airport security, do not receive commendation in monetary terms. Here, TSA employees maintained their professionalism, and with that, sustained their public, professional integrity.
Although Perry’s good intentions were not realized in the way he imagined, he received appreciation from different quarters. Perry’s philanthropic work, including giving to disaster relief and providing direct monetary assistance to people, has earned him a positive reputation. This instance, although tiny, adds to that history of giving, even if the purpose had to be altered.
The story surrounding Perry has elicited divergent views on social media. Many people were appreciative of Perry’s good act and commented on the type of person he is to give in a routine environment. Some, however, also praised the TSA agents who had to remain neutral and uphold the rules. “yeah they aren’t getting paid right now but they wouldn’t wanna lose their jobs in the long run” Freshman Biology Major Zyian Cotton expressed.
The story is not centered on money, but the principles that were upheld. Perry’s objective to give and the TSA’s ethical stand came together to create a meaningful moment. Sometimes, to do the right thing, one has to refrain from acts of kindness.
