Sunday, May 25, 2014

Freedom of Speech

Two radio DJs were fired last week for their derogatory comments they made on the air about trans-people. A tweet attributed to Kimberly,
Freedom of Speech includes the freedom to offend others. You aren't granted a right to not be offended in this life #getoverit #ROC
Is true to but it is not applicable to Kimberly & Beck, it is not applicable Phil Robertson, nor is it applicable to Donald Sterling.

The First Amendment does not cover these comments because they are employees and thereby limited of what they can say in their employment. The radio station has the right to control what is said on their station, A&E has the right to choose who they want on their network, and the NBA has the right to enforce their owners association. As a board member of a non-profit, I am prohibited from saying disparaging comments about the organization. I knew that I gave up my right to criticize my employer or the non-profit that I'm on the Board, some will say that it is not right. The employer might not have anything in writing but think about it, what are your chances of a raise or a promotion? While Board members have a fiduciary duty to duty of loyalty.

You have the right to make any comment you want, but remember that you also have to pay the price for those comments.

No comments:

Post a Comment