Why doesn't free speech apply if you get fired by an employer for speech? (companies, school)

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by EricS39

It's not company policy ...it's an unwritten rule


No time did someone say "don't shout 4-letter words during meetings with sr mgmt and refuse to stop doing it"

Most companies can choose their dress code, your working hours, and describe the general conduct of their employees.

Profanity isn't always judged unacceptable. I think an NFL locker room has a lot of it. Maybe the same with soldiers in the field. But not so accepted in the office.

By abiding to their rules and doing the job you were hired to do - they pay you.

[smalltownblues]

Originally Posted by pknopp

Because those restrictions only apply to the government.

True, however, that hasn't stopped people from incorrectly saying that private businesses can't decide who they want as customers.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by EricS39

Do you think we should pass legislation to protect employee rights to free speech in companies without penalty?

Why?

We need to be repealing laws, not making more.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by smalltownblues

True, however, that hasn't stopped people from incorrectly saying that private businesses can't decide who they want as customers.

They can say it......but, it does not make it true.

Generally who most businesses want for customers with people with money to spend.

[whogo]

Originally Posted by smalltownblues

True, however, that hasn't stopped people from incorrectly saying that private businesses can't decide who they want as customers.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits most businesses from discriminating based on gender, ethnicity or race.

[thecoalman]

Originally Posted by EricS39

If I say cuss words very loudly in a work meeting (private sector company job) in front of upper management in say the middle of an annual report slide presentation

And start shouting four-letter words and taking off articles of clothing

If one gets fired for this, why isn't this a violation of their free speech rights? I though we endorse freedom of expression in America.

Explain

Your right to free speech stops at the front door.

[Ivorytickler]

Originally Posted by EricS39

If I say cuss words very loudly in a work meeting (private sector company job) in front of upper management in say the middle of an annual report slide presentation

And start shouting four-letter words and taking off articles of clothing

If one gets fired for this, why isn't this a violation of their free speech rights? I though we endorse freedom of expression in America.

Explain

Because you represent the company who is paying your salary. You are free to cuss and take your clothes off all you want but they are not required to retain you as an employee if you do. Your choice.

[Three Wolves In Snow]

Originally Posted by EricS39

If I say cuss words very loudly in a work meeting (private sector company job) in front of upper management in say the middle of an annual report slide presentation

And start shouting four-letter words and taking off articles of clothing

If one gets fired for this, why isn't this a violation of their free speech rights? I though we endorse freedom of expression in America.

Explain

Free speech only protects you from the government, it does not protect you from a privately owned business, someone's house, or even a forum.

I really wish people would understand that.

[smalltownblues]

Originally Posted by whogo

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits most businesses from discriminating based on gender, ethnicity or race.

Great, so all we need is a Civil Rights Act of 2014 to protect free speech for employees and you would start clapping furiously.

[lycos679]

Originally Posted by EricS39

It's not company policy ...it's an unwritten rule


No time did someone say "don't shout 4-letter words during meetings with sr mgmt and refuse to stop doing it"

You actually need someone to tell you that it is inappropriate to cuss in a board meeting? Seriously?