Man fired for being a Brony....

[Silver Letter 1,832]

If this was something that did happen according to the story then that is too bad. Discrimination is already widespread enough but something like this is just hateful and awful. I hate hearing about discrimination against workers and customers. Let's hope to spread tolerance in general as we go forward in life. 

[Emperor Posh 360]

Totally ignoring everything else, I am more interested in the question, is this legal? Like how could you be fired for liking something? Wouldn't that be like a boss saying you look uglier than normal and it's making the other employees uncomfortable, so you're fired. This does not see right to me. Though the story s probably fake, as are most stories on the internet, but the question is still there, is this legal?

[TheMangoPony 146]

So does anyone know what business it was that this man was working for? I haven't boycotted anything in a while and I think I'm overdue for one, lol.

[Scootalove 10,689]

Okay, so let's me get this straight, a man gets fired for liking colorful ponies? There's a difference between firing someone for liking something or, for firing someone for something reasonable.

[~Chaotic Fireball~ 499]

You go dude! 

 

"Now if you'll excuse me I've got some My Little Pony to watch and I  don't give no f***s about anybody who has a problem with it."

And that is the proper way to end an argument about ponies.

[Anneal 2,197]

Totally ignoring everything else, I am more interested in the question, is this legal? Like how could you be fired for liking something? Wouldn't that be like a boss saying you look uglier than normal and it's making the other employees uncomfortable, so you're fired. This does not see right to me. Though the story s probably fake, as are most stories on the internet, but the question is still there, is this legal?

The answer is no. In multiple countries doing so violate their constitution, and in the US I'm pretty certain that every state has passed some worker laws. It doesn't really do anything with racism itself, since it'll always exist, but it bans bosses from firing employees due to their race, religion, or preferences.

[Radiance64 7,053]

Seems the story hasn't exactly been verified, so who knows it it's true or not...

Either way, that'd be a really terrible thing, he really should sue for that. I can't imagine why someone would be terrible enough to fire an employee over liking something that they don't agree with, being a brony is a very harmless thing and this is really very wrong if true.

[Vermillion 613]

what i load of bullshit what kind of job fires someone for liking a cartoon well if his shitty work place is so closed minded i wouldnt have wanted to work there 

[Zealous 2]

If this guy's story is true, then I'm on his side. It pains me to see fellow fans of the show punished for something as trivial as what cartoon they prefer to watch during their spare time. If he really was doing his work and minding his own business, then he didn't deserve to be fired. 

 

I also think that he should find someplace else to work, while also being cautious with what could be revealed to his coworkers. Sure, I myself love ponies, but I make it so that it doesn't seep into my workplace (unless it's music, then headphones should suffice). 

 

Overall, one should be mindful of what he/she has the potential to expose to the public eye, even if it appears harmless to you. 

[BronyPony 575]

If this guy's story is true, then I'm on his side. It pains me to see fellow fans of the show punished for something as trivial as what cartoon they prefer to watch during their spare time. If he really was doing his work and minding his own business, then he didn't deserve to be fired. 

 

I also think that he should find someplace else to work, while also being cautious with what could be revealed to his coworkers. Sure, I myself love ponies, but I make it so that it doesn't seep into my workplace (unless it's music, then headphones should suffice). 

 

Overall, one should be mindful of what he/she has the potential to expose to the public eye, even if it appears harmless to you. 

To be honest, technological firms and game development companies don't really care about what you carry along in the workplace as long as it doesn't go to far. Game development companies are pretty much like "As long as you get the job done, your fine with doing so and so as long as it doesn't become illegal."

 

The reason why so many want the game development job is because such a workplace is pretty relaxing.

[GrimCW 658]

 

Legally it's 100 percent alright. 

 

However there's nothing saying you can fire someone for having certain interests. 

 

Actually it is discrimination and therefore illegal, At least in the U.S.

 

They can NOT fire you over personal interest, religious practices, or sexuality. Unless your in direct violation of a company policy that has been made clear before hand. No mention of company policy is made regarding the background, and company policy saying you can't like something is illegal. Saying you can't bring something to work, or have a custom background is okay. But only if it doesn't contradict itself and allow others to do what it forbids you to do.

 

Having interest in a kids show does not constitute the lies about child molesters, and has never actually been accredited to it in any way either.

The whole case (if true) was a simple discriminatory act, and the individual could sue them for it. If they permit others to have custom backgrounds, and/or others complimented the daughter at any time regardless of what on (and most people will say something nice to the co workers kids).

 

They'd need a far better reasoning to even consider firing him for. An action he took, words he spoke. Something that can actually be said negatively affected himself or his workplace. Otherwise its a "lay off" and they now have to pay him unemployment as well as possible lawyer fees and a settlement if he pursues it.

In fact, he could also file a hostile work environment lawsuit for the harassment he suffered while there from the other workers and his supervisor.

 

This is almost akin to firing a guy over coming to work in a dress when they are transgendered (has been taken to court in both companies and schools, the transgendered individual winning in each case. Including one where the school had set guidelines for uniforms for both male/female students.), or forbidding a person to wear a religious symbol and/or make mention of their religion in some way.

 

This situation is in fact why these laws came into existence. While some view them as "protecting the weak", they're in place to keep companies from being bloated, overpowered, and unfair to the work force.

Having lost his job over this now has to be explained every time he looks for a new job, and it will hurt his chances regardless. 

 

If it is true, I hope he does seek legal action, whether or not his HR lets him go back. That supervisor needs to be fired, and his co workers need to be coached.

 

There is a huge difference in being polite, and being creepy. A grown man has no business complementing little girls on how they dress.

 

Since when? I've heard it all the time, and many adults do just that when meeting someones daughter for the first time. 

If it were some random stranger I'd see your point.

 

But it was BRING YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY, and he was introducing his son to the boss, and the boss his daughter to the employee.

Theres nothing wrong at this point, creep factor 0.

Its actually common custom to greet the child yourself and compliment them or say something nice otherwise. Some give the kids candy they brought in, others show them photos of their family (if they didn't bring a kid to introduce)

etc...

 

Like I said, if it were a totally random stranger, and out in public. Yes, that is creepy. But when your being introduced its customary to make a kind observation and say hello.

Its actually very rude NOT to do so.

Edited September 29, 2013 by GrimCW

[Vertigo_95 572]

I have seen this on Facebook as well, but didn't read it until now. I feel that it is really messed up. I'm applying for a job at Trader Joe's and if I get it, I will still wear my Rainbow Dash wristband even if it is seen or not. 

 

Actually it is discrimination and therefore illegal, At least in the U.S.

 

This is exactly what I was thinking. I was looking at the article to see where it happened, but i'm gonna assume it did happen in the U.S.

[GrimCW 658]

This is exactly what I was thinking. I was looking at the article to see where it happened, but i'm gonna assume it did happen in the U.S.

 

I find it odd a lot of people in the reddit article don't know their rights either.

FEDERAL law dictates most of the anti discriminatory regulations (some are considered part of the constitutional rights), NOT state. And if the state is in violation and permitting such things, than the people of these states need to file a case with the supreme court.

State only outlines them a bit further in some cases. But it is flat out illegal in the country to be this discriminatory without provocation (I.E. if he stated he liked little girls, or tried to physically assault the daughter).

They may be allowed to fire him "just because" in some states, but if they made it clear this was the reasoning, and he did suffer such harassment from co workers and supervisor, he still has a case regardless of that.

Edited September 29, 2013 by GrimCW

[Flutter's lover <3 8,206]

Not sure if this is legit or not....seems a really silly reason to fire someone.

 

and for it "making other workers uncomfortable" from the sounds of it, they're in an office space,. (inb4 he took my stapler)So there's walls,which make cubicles...and unless someone actually looks in, they're not gonna notice anything. Sounds like some pretentious employees, or people that jsut didn't liek the guy, and were lookign for any reason to get rid of him.

 

> implying it's real

 

I've worked at a couple places, wearing pony merch. never had any issues.

Edited September 29, 2013 by Flutter Dash

[Suitaloo 743]

I saw this on /r/mylittlepony. I find this to be absolute bullshit. It didn't make others uncomfortable, it made others bully HIM. I'm a bit of an impulsive and somewhat violent man, but I would wreck some shit on my way out. Shit in a paper bag, light it on fire, and throw it in his office, but that's just me.

[Shanks 10,816]

People have pointed out that this story is unconfirmed which is fair enough but if it is true than this guy was definitely wronged. They may have found some technicality and called him on that as an excuse, I myself was suspend and almost fired from my job based on some asinine technicality. What he said is probably what I am going to say once I get out the god forsaken hellhole I work in now, seriously "thank you and fuck you" is quite accurate in my case and if this story is true it is in his case as well. And what are people going on about him for his language for? Just because he used profanity in the blog post in question dosen't mean he used it at work, I myself swear like a sailor on shore leave during happy hour while I am at work and the managers don't care so long as I don't do it within earshot of customers or insult or defame anyone (which is something I usually follow). I don't swear that often outside of work because not nearly as many things piss me off outside of work and the words start to lose their punch if used too much, but dropping an expletive or two is good for what ails ya. 

[~Silver Essence~ 2,625]

More reasons why this world is going down the heck hole....

 

Seems rather racist if you ask me, but then again, this is another reason why some things are meant to be a secret towards you or your closest friends...

[GrimCW 658]

People have pointed out that this story is unconfirmed which is fair enough but if it is true than this guy was definitely wronged. They may have found some technicality and called him on that as an excuse, I myself was suspend and almost fired from my job based on some asinine technicality. 

 

I lost a job over a "technicality" not long ago myself. Simply because I refused to get angry when this one long time worker there was trying to piss everyone off during the holiday season. I just smiled and answered honestly. But because I setup a joke for my supervisor (who was known for far worse) and she was able to convince someone up above it was serious, she got me fired (they tried racism at first, due to a disgruntled Puerto Rican there hearing me and a farmer talking about Migrant workers (mexicans) and he tried to make himself an easy paycheck out of it. Not my fault he took a job that was over 2 hours from where he lived!!), and the threat was placed on my supervisor for the same if he didn't cooperate. No loss though, low pay for a very high stress job (that didn't need to be so high stress at all. They had 3 people doing a 6-10 person job for crying out loud. If it weren't for me kicking that shop into shape they'd have shit the bed after the original supervisor died) Granted because they were able to use that, I didn't get Unemployment (for the whole 2 weeks I was out of work...), but I did find a better job, and once that one went south (they got rid of my entire shift) I'm now in training for Certified Nursing Assistant (going to use this as a foot hold to work up into Licensed Practical next)  So literally it gave me incentive to seek far better work, and higher pay

 

 

Seems rather racist if you ask me, but then again, this is another reason why some things are meant to be a secret towards you or your closest friends...

 

Theres no reason in this world that being a fan of ANYTHING should be required to being kept a secret from anyone. 

Unless your into some seriously FUBAR stuff thats outright illegal (which seems to be okay to speak of at most work places) theres absolutely no reason to have to curb your own person just to satisfy the societal woes of others

 

Its like being a fan of your home team then moving to a different area and clamming up just because that area's team is the rival team. Then pretending you like that team instead.

Its untrue to them, and untrue to yourself.

Lieing to yourself like that is very bad psychologically speaking. And not a very good path to walk down. Eventually those lies will blossom and you'll end up cutting yourself off from your own desires. A dark and dirty path.

Edited September 30, 2013 by GrimCW

[Legacy Dash 439]

I truly hope that that isn't true.

 

That is terrible! Being fired because you like something?!

 

If anyone in that story is strange it's that boss!

Hope it turns out ok for the guy.

[cuteycindyhoney 13,308]

At will employment is generally described as "any hiring is presumed to be 'at will'; that is, the employer is free to discharge individuals 'for good cause, or bad cause, or no cause at all,'

October 2000, the Supreme Court of California stated:

[A]n employer may terminate its employees at will, for any or no reason ... the employer may act peremptorily, arbitrarily, or inconsistently, without providing specific protections such as prior warning, fair procedures, objective evaluation, or preferential reassignment ... The mere existence of an employment relationship affords no expectation, protectable by law, that employment will continue, or will end only on certain conditions, unless the parties have actually adopted such terms.

[Shanks 10,816]

At will employment is generally described as "any hiring is presumed to be 'at will'; that is, the employer is free to discharge individuals 'for good cause, or bad cause, or no cause at all,'

In lamens terms then if you work than chances are you are their bitch, at will employment wouldn't be so bad if we actually had a real free market in labor instead of the plutocratic corporate puppet state where big corporations are able to buy politicians like they are Johns at the worlds largest whorehouse. Then at least if your employer screwed you over then you would have a few more options, more importantly a few more good options where you might actually oh I don't know, be treated like an actual human being. Because lets face it if everyone really had a choice would they want to work for someone that will screw them over?

[Capt. Snuggle Gruff 101]

I can understand that If it was affecting his work then letting him go would seem a bit justified, but the fact that he did nothing wrong at all upsets me.  He didn't bring a giant banner that had MLP on it and put it in his cubicle.  He didn't bring a collection of toys to work and set them up everywhere.  The fact that it made people "uncomfortable" is so stupid, it seemed to me that people were having fun mocking him and jabbing at him.  I'm not saying thats ok I'm just saying I think that this guy's boss let him go only because HE thought it was weird and had a problem with it, while everyone else just found it as a way to make fun of someone and hate another living being.  Its sad to see that people think that Bronies are some kind of evil race of weird socially awkward guys that have come to destroy this earth and all who live in it.  Why can't people just see us as any other fandom of a show that is in fact really really good?  But anyways, no I don't think it was right to fire him under the terms that he was a brony.  But then again if he couldn't fire him under those terms, I'm sure he could find others.  But still, I can't believe this happened.

[Lightning Bliss 1,674]

After reading this I cant help but feel to wait and see when this story is fully verified because its possible this could be a fake news feed, its not been acknowledged fully yet, rather get more word on its creditablity. That said though kinda sad to be fired over just liking a TV cartoon show..

[Guest]

Most likely it never happened. How would somebody even know that he was a brony just by saying he likes a shirt. Im not taking this in. Reddit throws alot of fakes these days. Im not sure this is even plausible. Why would the owner care if hes a brony or not?

[GrimCW 658]

At will employment is generally described as "any hiring is presumed to be 'at will'; that is, the employer is free to discharge individuals 'for good cause, or bad cause, or no cause at all,'

 

two things still make it illegal here.

Discrimination (which can be proven easily assuming the company kept proper records of the two talks he had), and harassment in the work place. Even without it, peoples prejudices aren't easily hidden.

Homophobia is more than half the reason people look toward Bronies as a "problem" and any such slurs would be easy grounds for a case. Regardless of the "At Will Doctrine" discriminatory actions are illegal in and out of the work place. Much like spouting racial slurs. So while they could (under that outdated load of crap) fire him, he'd still have a fine law suit. Maybe not over the lost job, but definitely over mistreatment.

Theres always a clear, legal way, to retaliate in these situations regardless of any ability by the employer to fire an employee. If the reason was given, and it is/was discriminatory, it can be filed against not as a job loss reason, but under other civil laws. I've actually cornered a couple employers on this before. One ended up just giving me a severance package to leave (under no requirement to do so.. I'd have left willingly as long as they listed it as "no fault" tbh.. that employer was horrid!)

 

Regardless He should still get UI insurance (Since it would be deemed "No fault of your own" unless they had better reasoning. or his state has some other BS regulations regarding it.), and it would be considered a lay off. Not fired. This would work in his benefit as a result making job searching easier.

 

MOST states also have clear regulations to prevent a "no reason" firing, with only a few lagging. And a citation would be nice for that information, preferably legitimate, not wiki based.

 

That also clearly states its for california, before the recession and when MANY new laws were passed since to protect workers from unfair treatment by employers who were taking advantage of the recession, and began abusing their work forces through fear of termination.

CA's already known for its poor population, and excessively over powered rich. So its no surprise they'd continue to keep the little people down in any way they can.

Edited September 30, 2013 by GrimCW