In the aftermath of the recent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a social media campaign began circulating pictures of protestors in Nazi and Confederate regalia, asking the public to match names to the faces. As the protestors were identified, attention turned to their employers. These employers were faced with a question they probably never anticipated having to answer: Should we fire people who have been exposed as white supremacists?
Should Employers Fire Employees Who Attend White Supremacist Rallies?
There are both legal and moral questions to consider.
September 19, 2017
Summary.
In the aftermath of the recent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a social media campaign began circulating pictures of protestors in Nazi and Confederate regalia, asking the public to match names to the faces. As the protestors were identified, attention turned to their employers. These employers were faced with a question they probably never anticipated having to answer: Should we fire people who have been exposed as white supremacists? While there are legal issues at play, in some circumstances there are no clear answers, especially if the person involved is a low-level employee who has committed no crime and does not bring their politics to work. In cases like this, it’s worth considering the differences between political ideology and race, the latter of which has long been the basis for systemic inequality. Another question worth asking is what will become of these white nationalists after they are fired.