BLM and Employment Policies: Enforcement of First Amendment, Title VII, the NLRA, State Labor Laws

Description

In response to the death of George Floyd, among others, employers are uncertain how to respond and communicate with employees regarding the ongoing protests and the BLM movement across the country. Many employers recognized--for the first time--Juneteenth on June 19, 2020, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of slaves. Are simple corporate pronouncements sufficient to respond to employees' needs and concerns?

With regard to employee self-expression on the BLM movement, employers must be aware of constitutional free speech protections, employee rights under Title VII, the National Labor Relations Act, and state laws that may apply to employee conduct.

Beyond that, employers can choose the level of their response and engagement or choose to do nothing at all--there is no right or wrong answer or a "one size fits all" solution. The most common reaction from employers is to acknowledge the unrest and issue a statement of support. Many employers have also chosen to make a public announcement expressing solidarity and support of the BLM movement, as well as offering transparency in examining their current harassment policies and diversity initiatives.

Many employers have loftier goals to articulate and implement a strategy for supporting racial diversity initiatives within their own workplace and beyond. This action requires substantial reflection, consideration, time, and effort.

Listen as our authoritative panel discusses how the BLM movement and employment policies may be in conflict and how employers can appropriately and legally support and communicate systemic change.