Expert: Michael Troy - 3/7/2007

Question
I work at a theatre for young audiences.  After a recent performance of Noah's Ark, I was handling dismissal, which entails facilitating a Q/A with students as they await their buses.  At the end of dismissal, I had two parochial schools left in the theatre.  I said to them that I was myself a product of Catholic education.  The next day, my boss took me aside and chastised me for mentioning the fact that I was Catholic, and stated that I was not allowed to refer to myself during Q/A and that I was banned from handling dismissal in the future.  Did I overstep my bounds by mentioning my religion?  

Answer
Hi Chris,

Sorry to hear about your situation.  There are certainly no legal prohibitions to stating anything about your religious beliefs.  If you were a public school teacher, it might be an issue, but as a private citizen working for a private company, there is no issue.

However, employers have the right to restrict the topics of discussion by employees while on duty.  I'm not sure what your boss found disagreeable about trying to create a common point of interest with your audience, but if he objects, it is within his discretion to set the rules.

I hope this helps!