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Castigating/firing people for their opinions is illegal under the constitution. Even if Thiel said the things Trump did, it's his right to free speech, and YC,
by mankash666 10y ago
Castigating/firing people for their opinions is illegal under the constitution. Even if Thiel said the things Trump did, it's his right to free speech, and YC, as an employer, cannot fire him on any constitutional ground.
Disclaimer - before HN goes on a witch hunt, I do find Trump repugnant. But I'll defend his constitutional right to say it.
- CJKinni 10y ago> Castigating/firing people for their opinions is illegal under the constitution. Citation Needed. Edit: Here's a link on the front page of a google search for 'firing people for their opinions is illegal under the constitution' that refutes your claims. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/21/your-money/speaking-about-politics-can-cost-you-your-job.html http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/21/your-money/speaking-about-... A private company certainly can fire people for their articulated political views (edit: under the constitution).
- mankash666 10y agoIt's not black and white. Depends on which state you live in. Quoting http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donna-ballman/can-you-be-fired-for-your_b_9154066.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donna-ballman/can-you-be-fired... "Activity outside work: Some states and localities prohibit employers for firing or disciplining employees for legal activities outside work. If you’re involved in a political campaign and you work in one of these states, you can’t be fired for your political activities as long as they are legal activities."
- CJKinni 10y agoGood point. I was just pointing out that the US constitution itself doesn't provide a protection, as the original comment suggested. You're right that states certainly could place additional requirements on businesses. I edited my post to reflect that. Thanks
- deleted 10y ago[deleted]