Posted on 06/17/2006 5:17:58 PM PDT by narses
AP) The owners of a roller skating rink have fired an 18-year-old woman they called one of their "Top 10" employees because she moved in with her boyfriend, violating a company ethics policy that prohibits "live-in relationships of an intimate nature."
"I loved my job and I didn't want to leave," Crystal Plotner told the Coeur d'Alene Press this week.
She said she was fired after casually telling her bosses, Skate Plaza owners Marvin and Pat Miller, that she planned to move in with her boyfriend in mid-May.
Before terminating her, Plotner said the Millers said she and her boyfriend should "check out their church." She declined.
"Even if I had gone to their church, I don't think it would have saved my job," said Plotner, who worked at Skate Plaza for three years and made $9.25 an hour. "They didn't want me to live with my boyfriend. They were pushing their religion on me and I was offended. I don't have the same religious beliefs as they do."
Pat Miller praised Plotner, saying that "In all the years that we've employed people, she was one of the Top 10. It was a sad day when she left because everybody loved her."
But Miller added, "We've had our (employee) handbook out for many years and it does say if you live in an immoral way with a member of the opposite sex or same sex, you will be terminated."
Miller said that in talking with Plotner, they were approaching the issue as employers, friends and Christians.
"Our advice is not to do this," Miller added. "It's fine and certainly her business that she did, but either we throw the handbook out or follow what's in it."
Pat Miller said they attempt to set a good example in the community because their business draws young people.
"If we owned a roofing company, it wouldn't have mattered," Pat Miller said. "We screen our music carefully. We have a 4-inch rule. We don't allow petting, necking or bad language. You have to decide, what kind of establishment do you want to be? We want parents to feel comfortable bringing their kids here."
She said it is the first time they have fired someone for living with a boyfriend or girlfriend, though they have rejected some applicants for that reason.
"When we first put it in we checked with our attorney, and he said we could do it as long as it's consistent."
Skate Plaza's moral and ethics policy also bans such behaviors as "public displays of promiscuous activities, homosexuality, intoxication, use of profanity, lewd behavior, use of illegal drugs, child abuse, spouse abuse, unlawful relationships, cross-dressing, stalking and nudity."
Leslie Goodard, director of Idaho's Human Rights Commission, said the policies don't appear to violate Idaho employment law.
"There is no statute that directly prohibits discrimination based on marital status, and sexual orientation is not protected," said Goodard.
But Jack Van Valkenburgh, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Boise, said Skate Plaza might be violating federal discrimination laws.
"It sounds to me as though they're pushing their religious view of what a proper living situation should be," he said.
For her part, Plotner said she's through with Skate Plaza.
"They're already judging me for how I live my life and it wouldn't be the same," she said.
Jesus, save me from your followers.
Pretty much, yes.
I mean, my first reaction was irritation at how utterly idiotic it was. But upon further consideration, it IS a free country and she's free to work anywhere else, so I don't see any reason for the government to get involved.
Guess they got the right to be nutty kinda people if it's thier business, but I believe what you do on your own time is YOUR business as long as you do your job.
You can quit your job for any reason. It works both ways, unless there is a contract.
How many folks would scream bloody murder here on FR, if she got canned because they found out she was posting on FR?
Societal rules have evolved for a reason,in addition to being encoded in religious morality. God made the rules for your own protection and happiness , girl.
You messed up , big time.
Isn't that kinda the point. She accepted employment knowing the rules but acts shocked once the rules are enforced.
Rules for thee but not for me!
??? That shouldn't be too hard to beat, but I am not sure that I would drop trou just to prove it.
That's a useless analogy on several levels!
1) If she was posting from her work PC, they'd have had every right to do so.
2) If not, let's see their employment contract and see the wording that forbids posting to such a website using your home PC on your own time.
3) Finally, the Anti-Christian Litigation Unit (ACLU) wouldn't care if anyone got fired for that reason. Some speech is just more equal than others.
Maybe she can't afford the rent without her boyfriend sharing the residence and paying half. Guess they could get married for the sake of her employment however.
I was thinking your #2 when I posted. I should be more clear. Sorry.
LOL!
Even if you show up everyday and do your job as asked?
It's pretty much out in the open, dear. Especially since you apparently took this to the press.
Oh well...play house and get burned like most. I just hope they don't have any kids and subject the innocent to this.
Forget about the DUmmies going nuts over this. It appears that some Freepers will also.
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