Total crap. No way she should be fired unless;
Wearing company uniform
On the clock
Posted on a company web forum
Shared with customers
This is supposed to be a free country, freedom of speech and expression. This one looks like total overkill.
If it’s a free country I should be able fire any employee of mine who breaks company rues or embarrasses my company in public.
The 1st Amendment only says that the government may not restrict your freedom of speech.
It holds no power over private entities.
This country was founded on the principle of self-determination. You are free to act, but you must be willing to face the consequences for your actions.
In this woman's case she found out that her employer felt her actions reflected poorly on them and severed their ties. Her employer operates out of Virginia, which is an at-will state.
No, it’s not crap. She’s free to express herself as she sees fit. She is not, however, free from the consequences. Whether you like it or not, you are an extension of your employment 24/7. Most jobs it may not matter as much...some it does. Those who work in the public sector, or a private company that contracts with the public sector may have a potential conflict if they wish to stay in that business. Private businesses also have the right to not want to deal with potential negative publicity that results from an employee exercising their first amendment right in a way that may (in their view) bring discredit to the business. They are, after all, in business to make money. If your employee(s) do things on “their own time” that may risk you making money, you have the right to fire them. Especially if your company’s policies stipulate that.