Losing a Job Due to Political Activity Outside the Office: Free Market or Free Speech?

The Harvard Law School Association of Los Angeles Is Co-Sponsoring A Webinar with the Harvard Law School Jewish Alumni Network

Wednesday, December 10, 2024

10:30 am PST - Zoom

Register now at:

https://dwt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d90oA0WRRPCTBJfc9utu8g

In divided political times, what happens when a political activist operates in a firestorm outside the office, and then walks into work the next day?   The public expression of divisive or strident political views come with an employment risk.  At the same time, terminating or rescinding job offers for political activities or affiliations outside work may entail risk to the employer. 

Whether it be a social media warrior, a campus activist, or a commentator in an online forum, strongly expressed political views can be perceived to impact the workplace if it negatively affects subordinates, managers, colleagues, or owners.  Can the firestorm remain outside the office?

Hear from employment law specialists on some timely questions:  To what extent do employees have a right to engage in charged political activity outside of the office even if that speech may be disruptive or seem like discrimination to some colleagues?  And what is the risk to employers who terminate an employee after that type of out-of-office activity?

Our expert panelists will be Joanne Bush (’04) of Jones Day (bio: Joanne R. Bush | Lawyers | Jones Day) and Emilio Gonzalez of Davis Wright Tremaine (bio: Emilio G. Gonzalez | Our Team | Davis Wright Tremaine (dwt.com)).

The views expressed by speakers or participants are solely the views of such persons, and do not reflect the views of  Harvard Law School, the Harvard Law School Association of Los Angeles or any of its board member.