Protests About Gay Tolerance Spark Wider Workplace Debate

Wall Street Journal ^ | 10-30-2002 | JAMES BANDLER

[schu]

Eastman Kodak Co.'s recent firing of an employee who criticized a company initiative on behalf of gay workers has touched off a rancorous debate between proponents of corporate diversity and free expression.

The dispute echoes recent ones at companies including AT&T Corp. and Verizon Communications Inc. in which workers alleging they were disciplined for opposing policies advocating gay acceptance have sued, claiming violations of their rights to religious expression.

[sonserae]

Mr. Weintraub said employees check their free-expression rights at the workplace door

If this is true, then the gays need to leave their free-expression of sexual deviance at the workplace door as well.

[ET(end tyranny)]

"In the company's view this act created the potential for a hostile work environment," he said.

And FORCING tolerance and acceptance of what some find offensive and perverted doesn't have the potential of creating a hostile work environment? LOL

[Godebert]

I wrote to Kodak last week and informed them I would no longer be purchasing any of their products due to their homosexual agenda. They responded:

"Dear Mr. --------,

As a matter of policy, we don't comment on individual personnel matters, but we can assure you that Kodak carefully and thoroughly reviews all personnel matters.

Kodak is committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. Our diversity is one of the reasons we're the leading imaging company in the world.

The diversity of our workforce - the scope and depth of the talent, ideas and experiences we bring to bear - combine to make Kodak products and services the best in the industry.

We thank you for your e-mail, and we will pass your comments along to Kodak management.

Eastman Kodak Company"

[RobbyS]

The corporation may be wrong to promote acceptance of homosexuality, but they have the right to be wrong. And they have the right to defend themselves in court if they try to impress contraversial views on their employees and otherwise show their disrepect to their employees.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

"political correctness gone berserk" bump

If the guy was a good employee for many years and not harassing anyone, gay or straight, it was unnecessary for the company to make a big deal out of this. IMO, the company should reconsider their extreme reaction and give him his job back before they lose a big lawsuit.