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Political discrimination is often unprotected

On Behalf of | Dec 8, 2016 | Workplace Discrimination |

The presidential election has given rise to discrimination in some surprising areas, emboldening individuals across many racial, religious, socioeconomic and political divides, among others, to berate those they see as dangerously different. While it is hopeful that this kind of discrimination would stay out of the workplace, that is surely hoping for too much. Some businesses are taking the opportunity to voice their disapproval of the president-elect in a surprisingly ironic way — by coming out against Trump supporters, and in some cases saying that the company does not wish to serve them or possibly even employ them.

A New Mexico small business recently made headlines recently when its chief executive officer released a statement through the company’s website, stating “If you are a Republican, voted for Donald Trump or support Donald Trump, in any manner, you are not welcome at 1st In SEO and we ask you to leave our firm. 1st In SEO will do everything in our power to ensure that we break ties with any person or business that supports Fascism.” These are strong words that have complicated legal implications.

Depending on your state, political affiliation may not be protected against discrimination. Even the often-touted freedoms of speech become fuzzy when in the workplace. As surprising as it may sound, depending on the circumstances, you may be the recipient of discrimination based on your political views, and be left without much recourse.

The very idea of discriminating against a person based merely on the candidate they support is patently un-American and shouldn’t have a place in the modern workplace. Surely it is not fair or accurate to claim that all people who voted for or supported Donald Trump are the same, just as it is untrue that all people who voted for or supported Hillary Clinton are the same.

If you have been the subject of workplace discrimination, you deserve to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you evaluate whether or not your case may be protected under the law. After all, our rights as citizens shouldn’t be dependent on the popularity of our political preferences.

Source: New Jersey Law Journal, “Can Companies Fire Trump Supporters?,” Jennifer Williams-Alvarez, Nov. 30, 2016