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1st Amendment and Free Speech/expression of political views in the workplace

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Expert: - 3/16/2009


Question
Okay, my boss where an American Flag pin, which I totally respect. Yet, i asked it i can where a hammer and sickle pin, he responded with a very stern, no.
does the constitution protect me?

Answer
Hello,

I cannot provide specific legal advice, but I will say that that Constitution only protects against government suppression by speech.  Private employers are not bound by such restrictions.  If you are an employee at will, you could be fired for pretty much anything that annoys your boss.

- Mike  

1st Amendment and Free Speech

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Michael Troy

Expertise

I will answer general questions regarding freedom of speech, petition, or religion. I specialize in cases involving public employment or education, as well as issues related to campaign finance. But I can`t give specific legal advice involving specific cases you might have.

Experience

As an attorney for the Center for Individual Rights, I worked on a number of free speech cases, including Rosenberger v. Univ. of Virginia, in which the Supreme Court upheld my clients' right to run a student newspaper without discrimination because of its religious conent. I also worked on White v. Julian, which protected the right of people to protest against a homeless shelter in their neighborhood.

I also worked for the Federal Election Commission on several cases regarding the right to participate in the election process.

Organizations
Former Attorney for Center for Individual Rights.

Publications
Washington Post
Washington Times

Education/Credentials
J.D. from Univ. of Michigan Law School

Awards and Honors
Truman Scholar

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