Excerpts from danherbertlaw.com: FACEBOOK POST COSTS BATTALION CHIEF HIS JOB In a recent case that highlights the growing tension between free speech and workplace conduct, a battalion chief in Howard County, Maryland, lost his job after posting a controversial message on Facebook. The incident underscores how social media can have serious consequences for public employees, especially those in leadership roles. The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services has a clear social media policy that prohibits employees from sharing content that could be seen as discriminatory, harassing, defamatory, or racially or ethnically offensive. Such posts are considered harmful to the department's reputation and its ability to carry out its mission effectively. In January 2013, Kevin Buker, a battalion chief with the department, was watching a gun control debate on TV when he posted a comment on Facebook: “My aide had an outstanding idea…let’s all kill someone with a liberal…then maybe we can get them outlawed too! Think of the satisfaction of beating a liberal to death with another liberal.†This post, clearly inflammatory and inappropriate, was forwarded to another battalion chief, leading to an internal investigation. Buker was asked to review the post and remove any language that violated the department’s policy. In response, he deleted the original post and made a follow-up comment: “To prevent butthurt and comply with a directive from my supervisor, a recent post has been deleted. So has the complaining party. If I offend you, feel free to delete me…†He also stated that he wanted to continue debating on Facebook and wasn’t ashamed of his views, claiming that the government is dominated by liberals and that free speech only applies to them. Despite his explanation, Buker was fired. He then filed a lawsuit arguing that his First Amendment rights were violated. However, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against him, upholding the decision to terminate his employment. The court emphasized that the department had a legitimate interest in maintaining efficiency and preventing internal conflict. It concluded that Buker’s post created division within the department and undermined his role as a leader. The court noted that Buker’s comments raised concerns about his fitness as a supervisor, and that subordinates might no longer respect him. His actions were deemed to interfere with the department’s operations and create a hostile work environment. This case serves as a cautionary tale for public employees about the potential consequences of their online behavior, particularly when it comes to sensitive or divisive topics. Grutzmacher v. Buker, 2017 WL 1049473 (4th Cir. 2017) Thanks, Scott Dock Leveler,Hydraulic Dock Lifts,Hydraulic Dock Plate,Customizable Telescopic Dock Leveler Porema (Suzhou) Logistics Machinery and Equipment Co., LTD , https://www.jsporema.com