Can you be fired for just _being_ a racist?

Question

Similar to my previous question... but can you be fired from a job simply for being a racist? Like if you don't even say anything, but your boss just finds out you're a racist. Or if asked if you are a racist you say yes. BUT you don't do anything racist, don't say anything racist, don't hang up any racist posters etc.. NOTHING else that would indicate that you are racist other than the fact that someone knows you are a racist

Answer 1

Easy answer - except if there is a written contract (or union contract), you can be fired for any reason (or no reason at all), except if the reason is because of your age, race, gender, national origin, or other "protected class." So, you can be fired because you are a racist or (theoretically) because you are NOT a racist. You could not be fired because you are an african american (although you could be fired despite being an african american.

Second ... do not believe it when someone says that you have the right to freedom of speech, which protects you on the job. The freedom of speech merely means that the state cannot arrest you for your speech. Not that you cannot be fired. Jimmy the Greek Snyder (former oddsmaker on sports contest) made an arguably racist comment on television. He was fired (which was legal), but he could not be arrested for it. Also, for GOVERNMENT employees, there is actually more protection, because the government cannot fire you for excercisng your constitutional right.

Be careful with this answer, though, because it is a very complicated area of the law, and exceptions abound.

Answer 2

I'm Sorry boo but therez no such thing as "just being a racist".
Racism is a crime against humanity FYI ....thank you very much so you are saying therefore that the KKK Klansmen are "just " Racist? The people responsible for all the lynching in the world are simply racists? NElson mandela was put in jail for 27 years for fighting against "just racism?" and Rodney King is a victim of "just simple freaking racism "?
come on now....
its like saying......" im just a murderer not a serial killer so i should be allowed to work at home Depot"
get it together
racism is underrated and YES someone should get fired for that .
i Have spoken .

Answer 3

If you dont do anything racist but you tell your boss that youre a racist, I would assume they could fire you if they wanted. If it goes against their company policy (or hey, just their moral values) then I dont see why they would wanna keep a self-proclaimed racist around.

If I was (for example) black and one of my employees told me they were racist against black people, I would be very offended and NOT want to have them working for me.

Also, if youre trying to just find a job, they have every reason not to hire you based on that. Why hire a racist when you can find someone just as qualified who respects everyone?

Answer 4

A guy who worked for a beer distributor was fired for drinking a competitor's brand. He was off work and drinking legally.

Even if you don't do or say racist things at work, you probably can get fired for doing or saying racist things on your own time.

If you're a racist's boss and you want to fire him or her, consult your company's attorney and go for it.

If you're a racist, be careful what you do or say, on or off the job. And while you're at it, get to know some members of whatever races you don't like. It may change your attitude.

Answer 5

How did he find out , did he ask you ? No one can be fired for their beliefs as long as they practice it away from work . I don't agree with racists , but , as an American you are Free to think how you want . Go and apply for unemployment and if they refuse fight it . Only if you have solid proof they fired you for your beliefs . I also hope you didn't say anything hateful and it was heard , because that it the end of your hire ability in your town once the word gets out .

Answer 6

Well obviously you've done something that is racist or no one would find out about it especially your boss. Even if you answer yes to a question like that most people would think you are joking especially if you "treat everyone equally". But if they know for sure, you should be fired.

Answer 7

Well under the constitution...the laws that govern the land, you have a freedom of speech. You don't have the right to not be offended by what someone says. Unfortunately the socialist push is making speech and even thoughts a reason for punishment. Regardless, you do have a constitutional right. An organization can be, if one has the nads to do it, brought up on charges for firing someone like that, unles you signed something with the organization prior to your employment.

Answer 8

As long as you do nothing to create a hostile-feeling workplace for anyone else, you should be permitted to believe as you wish without negative consequences. American workers generally have little protection against dismissal on the whim of employers, though, so an employer who found your views distasteful would probably have no problem coming up with some other reason for your dismissal, and you would be very hard-pressed in most cases to prove their only motive was to punish you for your beliefs.

Answer 9

Well see thats the same thing with gay. Some people are gay inside but thats not a sin. They arent making out with people their sex. They have self control. Look I am sort of racsist. Well not really but I get nervous around African Americans sometimes. If I would own a business and a african american wants a job of course I would give it to them. that is if they have good refrences. All a racsist has to do is have self control. I bet u can sue if someone fires u just because you are racsist (inside your heart and mind) not through actions.

Answer 10

i dont think so i mean being racist is bad but if you can bite your tounge when your around the people you dont like and never make it kown to them that you dont like them because of whatever race they are then i dont think you can be fired for that HOWEVER if your boss knows you are racist im sure that one little slip up with someone of that particular race will get you fired for instance say you dont like indians and one comes up to you and you dont like that person not only becasue they are indian but because they got in a fight with your brother or something (i know stupid story but its the best i coudl do) and you refuse to serve that person or pass them a dirty look even if its because they have offended you personally this will probabyl give your boss gorunds to fire you does that make any since at all