Texas needs to follow NY.
Displays of the American Flag Protected At Work
November 8, 2002
Citing a “resurgence of patriotism” following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the New York Legislature has added yet another category of protected conduct. It has prohibited both private and public employers (and their agents) from discharging or discriminating against any employee for “displaying an American flag on the employee’s person or work station.” The law does provide some limits: it only protects the display if it “physically does not substantially or materially interfere with the employee’s job duties.”
The law authorizes the Commissioner of Labor (the New York State Depart of Labor) to investigate violations and assess the employer with a civil penalty ranging from two hundred dollars to two thousand dollars. An aggrieved employee may also file a civil lawsuit against an employer or persons alleged to have violated the law within two years after the violation. Remedies available include injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorneys’ fees.
The law, which amends the State’s Labor Law, is effective September 17, 2002.
thanks for posting this - I wear a flag EVERY SINGLE DAY and sorta wonder when someone will say it’s a little extreme. Now that I know NY has a LAW allowing it, I just might bring in a desk flag! That’ll really piss off the young’uns who are still so “inspired” by the “O”