Question

A worker shows up to his workstation with a "hat" that is a slogan for a political party, for example, MAGA. You know that almost half of the workplace has expressed dislike of this political party or candidate. At the first break a heated discussion broke out about freedom of expression...an argument triggered by the arrival of the "hat."

a. Does the employee have a right of expression?

b. You are the supervisor of the department. What is your ethical dilemma? How will you handle the situation?

Answer 1

answer-

a- Yes, The employee has a right of expression because It is a human right given to worker by the First Amendment to the United States . Freedom of expression gives you the right to hold your own opinions and to express them freely without interference.

Freedom of expression is recognized as a human right under article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and recognized in international human rights law in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 19 of the UDHR states that "everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference" and "everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice".

so, based on above, worker showed his expression and opinion towards a political party which does not harm any other person.

b-The ethical dilemma for me is to make decision either to stop the worker to wear or support MAGA political party at workplace which can lead to legal actions to company or i can take decision to let him wear which can lead to disputes and conflicts .

In this situation, i would ask other employees to not focus on his hats or view. Other workers can also wear or show their expression if they like unless it does not harm any person and work of the company. This way, both party can be out of the situations.