North Carolina Veteran Quits Job At Food Lion When Told To Remove His American Flag Face Mask. Do You Agree With His Decision?

SPC Richard Zacke — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 08:16:50 -0400

The store manager got ONE complaint about his face mask that he has worn for months without issue. He refused to remove it and decided to quit instead. He took his case to facebook and after the public backlash Food Lion changed their policy and now allows the American Flag to be worn by their employee's. Would you as a service member or a veteran quit your job if instructed to remove an American Flag face mask? I also got the feeling that this Air Force veteran did not need this job.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Sep 5 at 2020 8:18 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 08:18:58 -0400

I would in a heart beat!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2020 11:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 11:43:58 -0400

What I would have done was ask the Manager to provide me a copy of the company policy/regulation stating that I can't wear an American Flag patterned face mask...then continue to wear it until such time as a policy/regulation said otherwise. I also would have called HR to get clearer guidance.

As for whether or not I would have quit.....that would depend on a few factors. How badly do I need this job? What is the job market like if I do quit?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 5 at 2020 12:08 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 12:08:51 -0400

A lot would depend on my employability at other companies.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2020 12:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 12:35:38 -0400

Yes

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2020 12:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 00:51:08 -0400

This is a slippery slope. What stops the next guy from wearing a Mexican flag mask? Just is just like in the Army. If there was a clear guidance then you follow it. If he was told that he it was against the policy then he was in the wrong. If there was no policy then I would have tried to clarify.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Sep 7 at 2020 11:16 PM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 23:16:47 -0400

Just out of curiosity, do you remember your oath? What did / does that oath mean to you? I truly feel that any service member (past, present, or future) who would even consider not defending the flag (in any way) should question their fealty to that oath. Simply put: You do NOT disrespect MY FLAG !!!