Posting religious posters in the workplace

SFC Vernon McNabb — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 09:42:52 -0400

Is it against any regulation to put up a poster about a local church's upcoming Easter Sunday Service? The poster is informational with time and place. It does not specify which denomination can attend since it is open to everyone who wishes to attend and Easter Service.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 16 at 2014 9:47 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 09:47:16 -0400

Where in the workplace? A breakroom? A common area? How neutral is the flyer? Is it just text, or does it have giant crucifixes and Jesus's all over it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 10:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 10:04:42 -0400

as long that it does not get posted where the training schedules go for example, it should not be a problem

In my company we have a board for community events and things like that, and not a single one gets more attention or anything

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 10:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 10:33:20 -0400

As long as people don't get pissed off when Muslims or some other religion, put up some religion flyers, I'm fine with it.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 16 at 2014 10:36 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 10:36:36 -0400

I wouldn't see anything wrong with it. It's informational. If it was in some way trying to force a certain relgion onto those that see it, then yes that is a problem but if it is just a poster that explains the when and where of the service than let it stay.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 12:51 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 12:51:48 -0400

Per our conversation earlier, check this out:

AR 600–20 • 18 March 2008
Army Command Policy
Chapter 5
Other Responsibilities of Command
5–9. On-post distribution of non-Government printed materials

a. Access to news and publications. The maintenance of loyalty, discipline, and morale among Soldiers is essential if
the Army is to provide a reliable and effective military force responsive to the national security missions assigned
pursuant to lawful authority. At the same time, Soldiers are generally entitled to free access to news and publications.

b. Policy. Installation commanders will encourage and promote the availability of books, periodicals, and other
printed media that present a wide range of viewpoints on public issues to Soldiers. Such media should include those
emphasizing the standards of loyalty, patriotism, and discipline that are common to the Armed Forces. However,
installation commanders will not, except as provided in this paragraph and in AR 360–1, take action to control or
restrict dissemination, even if these publications are believed to be in poor taste or unfairly critical of Government
policies or officials. The installation commander will be guided by the principle that, except in cases in which a
publication constitutes a clear danger to military loyalty, discipline, or morale, or specifically violates the law or
regulatory authority, military personnel are entitled to the same free access to publications as are other citizens.

AR 360–1 • 25 May 2011
The Army Public Affairs Program
Chapter 8
Programs and Activities
8–1. Public engagement programs and activities
b. Unofficial programs.
(1) Programs that involve direct contact with the civilian community are the most effective unofficial means of
improving community relations. Commanders should encourage military and civilian personnel and their Family
members to participate as private persons in local community activities such as educational, religious, organizational, recreational, and youth projects.

e. Distribution of commercial publications. On-post distribution of commercial publications will be restricted as
defined in AR 360–1. All commercial publications distributed free of charge will not carry any advertisement that
implies discrimination with regard to the race, religion, color, gender, or national origin of the purchaser, user or
patron. The publication will place its readers and advertisers on notice of this requirement by including in a prominent location the following: "Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to the race, religion, color, gender, or national origin of the purchaser, user, or patron."