Social Media, Political Views and Job Security

Guest Opinion by Pat Bishop, Republican candidate for Alabama Lt. Governor

I have been contacted by several people in the State of Alabama in the recent days. They have been terminated from their employment based solely on their political affiliations or the lack thereof. These calls have come from democrats, republicans, and independents (all Americans)!

I understand that in most of the U.S., private employees can be fired for their political beliefs because political affiliation is not a protected class under federal law. With "at-will” employment, bosses can fire staff for almost any reason, including political views, unless protections exist under local laws, such as in California or Colorado.

These terminations have not been from government employees. I understand that government employees have limited First Amendment protections, but these are not absolute and must be balanced against the employer’s interests.

I asked various questions from each of the callers:

1. Were you discussing anything at work that crated a hostile work environment? They said no.

My reason for asking was because, a person may possibly be fired for expressing political views that create a hostile work environment or break company policies.

2. Did you post anything online that was / would be considered damaging to your job? They said no.

My reasoning for asking was because, a person may possibly be fired for social media posts that damage the company reputation or violate social media policies.

For anyone who has lost their job due to situations like this, when it comes to sharing your thoughts online, beware! Social media has been a great tool for the dissemination of ideas, and it can make you more visible around the world. But what happens when you become more visible to your employer? Can you be fired over sharing political views online? Yes, based on what I have seen, your boss can legally fire you for sharing political beliefs on social media unless your post qualifies for protection under federal labor laws or specific state laws.

Sharing your political beliefs online can feel empowering, but it might leave you wondering about your job security. It's disheartening to think that your views could impact your employment. If you're concerned about the consequences, talking to a lawyer can provide clarity on your rights and help you navigate this delicate situation.

Pat Bishop is a a military veteran, law enforcement officer, mediator, antiterrorism expert, Christian, husband, father, and Republican candidate for Lt. Governor. For more information on Bishop, visit his campaign website or follow him on social media.

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