Teller fired: Banking on the First Amendment

Bill of Rights   (Public Domain)

When do an employee's First Amendment rights begin conflicting with those of coworkers and customers?

This key question came up when a U. S. Bank employee in Walton Kentucky began wishing customers a “Blessed day” and warning some against using the Lord’s name in vain.

After working for the bank for over 24 years, Polly Neace was then fired because of these types of actions.  She now has a First Amendment lawsuit against the U. S. Bank, claiming that she was persecuted because of her religious beliefs.

The bank, in turn, claims that Neace consistently broke its Code of Ethics regarding the treatment of coworkers and customers. Neace is also being accused of attempting to religiously convert others while on the job.

The question here is:  Who’s on First?  When the First Amendment seems to apply to all concerned, whose freedoms should be honored the most?

Resources

http://www.thespreadit.com/teller-blessed-day-sues-26008/

Copyright July 9, 2014 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved