Morais was terminated from his position following an internal investigation and a pre-determination hearing, according to Jennifer Almeida, a city spokesperson.
"Ignorant and racist comments have no place in the City of Pawtucket or anywhere else for that matter," Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien said at the time.
Morais then challenged his termination and filed a grievance in June 2024, Almeida wrote in an email. An arbitrator recently ruled in his favor, resulting in his reinstatement, Almeida wrote.
"My administration has vigorously defended our decision to terminate Morais, and I stand by that decision today," Grebien said in a statement provided to the Globe on Thursday. "However, the arbitrator has ruled that Mr. Morais must be reinstated to his Senior Project Leader position."
Grebien said the city's attorneys advised officials that the city is unlikely to prevail if they appeal the decision.
"Given the tens of thousands of dollars in additional legal costs an appeal would require, and the low likelihood of success, we have reluctantly determined that the city must comply with the arbitrator's ruling," the mayor wrote. "I cannot stress enough that racism has no place in the City of Pawtucket and that the outcome of this case is disappointing."
Under an agreement to return to city employment, Morais "has provided a complete and candid written apology to the City of Pawtucket, the City Council, his colleagues, and the residents of our community," Grebien said.
The city will also issue a "written warning for the post, which will include notice of potential further discipline for future violations," the mayor added.
"I write to offer my deepest apologies for any pain, offense, and division within our vibrant and diverse community as a result of the comment I posted on the Rhode Island History, Culture, and Arts Facebook page on May 3, 2024," Morais wrote in his letter.
"It's devastating to know that my words have undermined the trust and respect of City residents," he added.
Morais wrote that in the future, he will be "more cognizant of the words that I use."