Was I wrongly dismissed?

Question

I am a college student who HAD a part-time job. I started working at this professional place 2 months ago. This week the employer pulled me to the side and told me that they felt I was not 100% reliable, and thus "let me go." The reasons they said were that because my friends party and do drugs, and my boyfriend does, and that they will pull me into a hole. They said that they are afraid I will take a nose-dive and that they cannot take the risk, and that my social life has pushed the limit.

The only way they knew this was that my coworker (who I idiotically told my personal life too) told them about my social life.

Was this a just reason for dismissal?

Ok, I'll just say that my friends go to Stanford University, but also party and do drugs. THey do have good grades though....and my employer knows I go there too. It just peeves me a bit.

Answer 1

I don't think most employers need a reason, just or not. Most States are "at will' employment states, and that means you can be let go at any time for any reason. Also, you were only there for 2 months and there's usually a probationary period for employment as well. I don't mean to rub salt into your wound, but take to heart what your employer said to you. Good luck.

Answer 2

Legally speaking, an employer just cannot fire someone because their friends or family do something like use drugs.

But they CAN terminate you for poor performance. If you've been warned about it, and continued to faulter, then it's perfectly fair.

I would suggest you go to your HR / Personnel department and let them know that you don't think your performance was suffering and that you were told that you're being let go because your friends party and do drugs.

HR's job is to step in and make sure things are legal and to prevent potential lawsuits. It's possible that your boss wants you gone, but HR could step in and nix the termination.

If not, I would suggest you contact the EEOC and let them know about it.

Answer 3

that was your fault love. i cant blame you cause Ive done stupid sh*t like that before, but WHOA you must have gave her details. or maybe your boss notices some things his self and used your friends story as a foundation?
my opinion suck it up and find another job OR offer to take a drug test to prove your innocence. and i would only do that if Ive never been late or called out and can REALLY pass a drug test.
take this as a lesson, dint go to work to make friends go to work to make $$....save yourself that drama.
and yes it was...for you to spill all your business to someone after knowing them 2 months well...it kinda speaks for your character...learn the lesson.

Answer 4

Yes you actually could if you wanted to file a lawsuit that is defimation of character based on your friends thats so wrong and should not happen they have no basis to let you go for something that obviously hasnt affected you. Good Luck.

Answer 5

You may still be on probation, where they can let you go for any reason or no reason. If you feel they let you go for some protected ground, such as gender, disability, family, etc. then there may be grounds, but seek a lawyer's opinion.

Answer 6

Not unless your personal life has actually made itself known in your workplace. Your boss only heard hearssay and did not give you a chance to defend yourself against the accusations.

Answer 7

It does not sound legal to me. I think I'd call a lawyer.

Answer 8

i think that's a bullshit reason for firing you , cause if you were doing ur job then that's what should matter only