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Expert: - 3/2/2009


Question
Can a supervisor tell employees that they can not discuss anything having to do with religion while on company property?  Where is the legal support that authorizes a company to restrict freedom of speech when it does not interfere with work productivity, does not harass others, nor creates a hostile environment?

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

A company cannot restrict discussions dealing with religion while on company property if it allows other speech such as talking about sports, family, television, etc., which I am sure they do not restrict.  There is no legal background or case law that prohibits such speech in the workplace - in fact the legal arena supports the speech.  I know some employers feel that they do not want to deal with this or feel that it could cause a problem if there is disagreement; kind of hot button topics like politics.    So be it because that is their job to manage.  I am sure that there are disagreements with regard to time off, vacation, sick time, FML, management styles, etc.  

As long as the religious speech between colleagues (whether it be with those who agree with the religion or are just engaging in conversation) is not talking down another's religion, it is perfectly acceptable.  

If you have any follow on questions, please let me know.  Please tell your company to "lighten up."!...and support your right to converse about religion in a respectful manner.  

John

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John Fuller

Expertise

I can answer questions pertaining to Affirmative Action, how an affirmative action plan is developed, definitations included within an affirmative action plan, goals versus quotas, misperceptions, rolling out the affirmative action plan with specific action items and areas that are action items. I can answer questions pertaining to Civil Rights violations, investigations of violations and methods and means to be proactive to ensure awareness of civil rights. I am not an attorney and cannot answer or provide information relating to legal, court-related, or case law.

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Experience in the area Diversity,EEO, and Affirmative Action Officer for Johns Hopkins Hospital EEO, Ethics, and Affirmative Action Officer for Fortune 300 Deputy Director, Equal Opportunity for the Department of Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute Organizations Board of Directors, National Council for Support of Disability Issues Board of Direcdtors, Institute for MultiTrack Diplomacy Maryland Association of Affirmative Action Officers Publications Guest expert discussing discrimination, sexual harassment in the workplace and affirmative action on over 45 radio stations nationwide Education/Credentials Doctor of Education Master of Science, Leadership & Business Ethics Master of Arts, Education Virginia and Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator Department of Defense Certified Mediator

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