Texas Hospital Worker Fired Over Ferguson Facebook Post
When you write something on a social site, the rest of us can see it. A Houston woman’s Facebook post on the Ferguson protests, resulted in her being fired. The woman wrote on her personal Facebook page, “The police need to just start mowing them down with machine guns, purge them.”
“Very racist,” one man who chose not to be identified said.”I was highly offended.”
KHOU has opted not to identify the woman. When the man saw the woman’s post online, he learned that she worked at Memorial Hermann Southeast.
“It shouldn’t be tolerated when you’re a professional,” the man said. “A hospital is a place where you’re supposed to have compassion upon people of all races.”
After the Facebook post was shared on the behemoth social site, Memorial Hermann found out about it too and took swift action.
“People were pretty upset about it,” the man added.
KHOU reports:
The woman was laid off. The hospital responded via Twitter tweeting, “a non nurse employee posted an offensive comment. MH absolutely disagrees with that post. We have a 107 year history of serving everyone. The individual is no longer an employee of Memorial Hermann.”
“Even freedom of speech has its consequences,” the man said.
“People have the right of free speech, but employers can fire you for whatever they want in the state of Texas,” KHOU legal analyst Gerald Treece said.
Watch, courtesy of KHOU:
Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: Anomaly100
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Htowndude August 22nd, 2014 at 20:02
Welcome to Texas, where we’re a “Right to Work” state. That means, employers here, have the “right to fire” you, for *anything*
Workers rights, and unions are bad, aren’t they? It’s what I read at least in social media.
If you don’t want to get fired for being a racist, try not being a racist. If she was speaking about protesters who were “Christians” or “Jews” would so many people be objecting to her being fired? You can *not* yell fire in a crowded theatre. There are limits on our First Amendment rights.
DaddyO_969 August 23rd, 2014 at 08:57
I hope they would.
Larry Schmitt August 23rd, 2014 at 09:13
As I said in response to TinyPinkHulk, “Right to Work” has nothing to do with your employer’s right to fire you. That’s “Employment at Will.” Right to work “prohibits union security agreements, or agreements between labor unions and employers, that govern the extent to which an established union can require employees’ membership, payment of union dues, or fees as a condition of employment.”
People always mistake one for the other. I work in Human Resources, so I know the difference.
olford August 23rd, 2014 at 11:37
Not paying union dues is good. The employee paying the due has no say where that money is used. And when the chips are down the union could less what happens to the workers.
Larry Schmitt August 23rd, 2014 at 11:39
But none of that has anything to do with this thread.
olford August 23rd, 2014 at 12:07
Oh yes Sir, you mentioned it.
Larry Schmitt August 23rd, 2014 at 12:10
Read the post again.
olford August 23rd, 2014 at 12:28
It was a point that needed to be made.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 10:24
if she made the same remarks i wouldn’t object. what’s wrong with people to wish death and a violent death at that upon someone, while at the same time, calling someone else violent?
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:08
Can we just agree that she was terminally stupid?
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:30
yes sir we can.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:07
Again, Arizona is the same. On the other hand, SHE is responsible for her own big mouth. Not the employer.
And this is a hospital – she sounds like a non-essential employee. It would have been easy to just kick her to the curb – and you’re right if you don’t want to get fired for being racist, don’t do it.
Htowndude August 22nd, 2014 at 20:02
Welcome to Texas, where we’re a “Right to Work” state. That means, employers here, have the “right to fire” you, for *anything*
Workers rights, and unions are bad, aren’t they? It’s what I read at least in social media.
If you don’t want to get fired for being a racist, try not being a racist. If she was speaking about protesters who were “Christians” or “Jews” would so many people be objecting to her being fired? You can *not* yell fire in a crowded theatre. There are limits on our First Amendment rights.
DaddyO_969 August 23rd, 2014 at 08:57
I hope they would.
Larry Schmitt August 23rd, 2014 at 09:13
As I said in response to TinyPinkHulk, “Right to Work” has nothing to do with your employer’s right to fire you. That’s “Employment at Will.” Right to work “prohibits union security agreements, or agreements between labor unions and employers, that govern the extent to which an established union can require employees’ membership, payment of union dues, or fees as a condition of employment.”
People always mistake one for the other. I work in Human Resources, so I know the difference. And all states recognize employment at will, but some place certain limitations on it. Texas is one of the states with an “implied contract” exception, but it’s very difficult to prove an implied contract.
olf August 23rd, 2014 at 11:37
Not paying union dues is good. The employee paying the due has no say where that money is used. And when the chips are down the union could less what happens to the workers.
Larry Schmitt August 23rd, 2014 at 11:39
But none of that has anything to do with this thread.
olf August 23rd, 2014 at 12:07
Oh yes Sir, you mentioned it.
Larry Schmitt August 23rd, 2014 at 12:10
Read the post again.
olf August 23rd, 2014 at 12:28
It was a point that needed to be made.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 10:24
if she made the same remarks i wouldn’t object. what’s wrong with people to wish death and a violent death at that upon someone, while at the same time, calling someone else violent?
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:08
Can we just agree that she was terminally stupid?
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:30
yes sir we can.
Glenna Jones-Kachtik August 23rd, 2014 at 12:40
I am not sure that even a union could have saved this job. Her first amendment rights were not violated. She said exactly what she wanted to. Your first amendment right to free speech doesn’t protect you from the consequences of your actions. You can say that someone is a skanky whore but if that person takes exception to your words & there is no proof she is a skanky whore you can find yourself sued for slander or libel. You are free to express your opinion but, as with most things, you should be careful with whom & WHERE you share it. If it is stupid or outlandish & your employer thinks it looks bad for business – you can & should expect to be fired.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:07
Again, Arizona is the same. On the other hand, SHE is responsible for her own big mouth. Not the employer.
And this is a hospital – she sounds like a non-essential employee. It would have been easy to just kick her to the curb – and you’re right if you don’t want to get fired for being racist, don’t do it.
Swimsassy August 22nd, 2014 at 21:18
Was she fired or laid off? There’s a big difference in the two when it comes to collecting unemployment benefits.
whatthe46 August 22nd, 2014 at 21:41
she was fired.
DaddyO_969 August 23rd, 2014 at 08:55
Still have to prove willfull misconduct. That’s not easy. The system is designed to protect the employee. Her bigotry likely would fail the test; disgusting though it is.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 10:22
not in texas. its an at will state. meaning neither party has to give a reason for dismissal or departure. except for the obvious. i.e., you can’t be fired because of health reasons or anything that may be considered discriminatory.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:04
Arizona is the same. But employers often attempt to stall unemployment benefits .. it’s a game. I have an issue with that ONLY because an employee pays into the fund also.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:27
well just think of it this way then. what if it were you that were to get fired? for whatever reason or non-reason, wouldn’t you want those benefits if you are entitled to them. also think of it this way, you too have been paying into those benefits, so you’re just getting back what you put into it.
Sage August 23rd, 2014 at 15:00
You can be fired for being gay and that is discriminatory.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:25
you can be fired for being gay, but you’ll get the shit sued out of you. (because its illegal)
Ty Ellison August 23rd, 2014 at 01:27
The employer would have to prove that her actions amounted to willful misconduct in order to deny her benefits.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:03
She sounds too stupid to be “willful”. They got rid of her. She is no longer their problem. She has also lost any type of reference from them.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:02
Well if she has paid into unemployment and they laid her off she should be able to collect it. She may be an idiot, but losing her job is punishment as well. Perhaps she learned something but I doubt it. Haters gotta hate.
Carla Akins August 23rd, 2014 at 15:56
My daughter is the director of non-medical staff in a trauma 2 hospital ER. Due to HIPPA and not wanting to be sued, they have very specific social media rules that are agreed to in writing before any employees start. In addition to a review pre-employment, they have a program that routinely scans for all employees posts using a filtering system. It was scary how often she had to fire someone – although every time was far worse than the one in the article. People are terrible.
Swimsassy August 22nd, 2014 at 21:18
Was she fired or laid off? There’s a big difference in the two when it comes to collecting unemployment benefits.
whatthe46 August 22nd, 2014 at 21:41
she was fired according to another article.
DaddyO_969 August 23rd, 2014 at 08:55
Still have to prove willfull misconduct. That’s not easy. The system is designed to protect the employee. Her bigotry likely would fail the test; disgusting though it is.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 10:22
not in texas. its an at will state. meaning neither party has to give a reason for dismissal or departure. except for the obvious. i.e., you can’t be fired because of health reasons or anything that may be considered discriminatory.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:04
Arizona is the same. But employers often attempt to stall unemployment benefits .. it’s a game. I have an issue with that ONLY because an employee pays into the fund also.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:27
well just think of it this way then. what if it were you that were to get fired? for whatever reason or non-reason, wouldn’t you want those benefits if you are entitled to them. also think of it this way, you too have been paying into those benefits, so you’re just getting back what you put into it.
Sage August 23rd, 2014 at 15:00
You can be fired for being gay and that is discriminatory.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:25
you can be fired for being gay, but you’ll get the shit sued out of you. (because its illegal)
Ty Ellison August 23rd, 2014 at 01:27
The employer would have to prove that her actions amounted to willful misconduct in order to deny her benefits.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:03
She sounds too stupid to be “willful”. They got rid of her. She is no longer their problem. She has also lost any type of reference from them.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:02
Well if she has paid into unemployment and they laid her off she should be able to collect it. She may be an idiot, but losing her job is punishment as well. Perhaps she learned something but I doubt it. Haters gotta hate.
Carla Akins August 23rd, 2014 at 15:56
My daughter is the director of non-medical staff in a trauma 2 hospital ER. Due to HIPPA and not wanting to be sued, they have very specific social media rules that are agreed to in writing before any employees start. In addition to a review pre-employment, they have a program that routinely scans for all employees posts using a filtering system. It was scary how often she had to fire someone – although every time was far worse than the one in the article. People are terrible.
rg9rts August 23rd, 2014 at 04:57
When you post on facebook your expectation of privacy is gone.. What you say in private stays there, facebook aint. Could not have been the brightest employee
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:01
Absolutely.
Kind of like that idiot cop that gave his speech on video to the Oathkeepers where he announced he kills people. Since supposedly he has never been involved in a police involved shooting, sounds like a lot of puffed up bragging – old white cop who’s got nothing.
rg9rts August 23rd, 2014 at 13:21
Not only that , but it is a reflection on todays younger generation and class of criminal that can’t resist taking a selfie on the phone they just stole.
rg9rts August 23rd, 2014 at 04:57
When you post on facebook your expectation of privacy is gone.. What you say in private stays there, facebook aint. Could not have been the brightest employee
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:01
Absolutely.
Kind of like that idiot cop that gave his speech on video to the Oathkeepers where he announced he kills people. Since supposedly he has never been involved in a police involved shooting, sounds like a lot of puffed up bragging – old white cop who’s got nothing.
rg9rts August 23rd, 2014 at 13:21
Not only that , but it is a reflection on todays younger generation and class of criminal that can’t resist taking a selfie on the phone they just stole.
liberalMD August 23rd, 2014 at 07:10
Most employers are including a search of social media as part of their pre-employment checks on potential employees. I am surprised at the information they apparently are able to extract on people via this route.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:21
That’s EZ to defeat. Create a fake account – fake ID – fake name … then you do a FB or Twitter with that one if you feel a need to hide something.
I don’t know what employers are looking for – but violence and violent rhetoric certainly are going to get a look/see.
rg9rts August 23rd, 2014 at 13:23
Easier yet….don’t create those accounts…I don’t have either
liberalMD August 23rd, 2014 at 07:10
Most employers are including a search of social media as part of their pre-employment checks on potential employees. I am surprised at the information they apparently are able to extract on people via this route.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:21
That’s EZ to defeat. Create a fake account – fake ID – fake name … then you do a FB or Twitter with that one if you feel a need to hide something.
I don’t know what employers are looking for – but violence and violent rhetoric certainly are going to get a look/see.
rg9rts August 23rd, 2014 at 13:23
Easier yet….don’t create those accounts…I don’t have either
Dave Lanson August 23rd, 2014 at 12:36
I don’t think what you decide to post on Facebook is any business of your employer unless you posted it from a work computer or during time you should be working. Can someone be fired for simply writing a letter to the editor that conflicts with your employer’s opinion? I guess so. The employer was certain within its rights to fire her but it should face some sort of backlash from public opinion.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:00
I disagree. This is a hospital that treats all patients – not just white ones. Holding this type of view absolutely leads to the possibility that when coming in contact with someone of an opposite race, the FB poster would not be capable of being fair, or honest – something people who visit hospitals require and need.
If it’s on FB, it’s out there somewhere. Nothing on the internet is private.
raincheck August 23rd, 2014 at 20:34
“The police need to just start mowing them down with machine guns, purge them.”
“Can someone be fired for simply writing a letter to the editor that conflicts with your employer’s opinion?” It should face some sort of backlash? If your sympathetic toward this person after reading this woman’s post, you must be pretty sick yourself… backlash indeed!
jasperjava August 24th, 2014 at 00:29
Racism isn’t just an “opinion”, it’s a worldview. You can’t serve the public fairly and impartially if you’re a racist, especially if you think machine-gunning people is a way to solve social issues.
Dave Lanson August 23rd, 2014 at 12:36
I don’t think what you decide to post on Facebook is any business of your employer unless you posted it from a work computer or during time you should be working. Can someone be fired for simply writing a letter to the editor that conflicts with your employer’s opinion? I guess so. The employer was certain within its rights to fire her but it should face some sort of backlash from public opinion.
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:00
I disagree. This is a hospital that treats all patients – not just white ones. Holding this type of view absolutely leads to the possibility that when coming in contact with someone of an opposite race, the FB poster would not be capable of being fair, or honest – something people who visit hospitals require and need.
If it’s on FB, it’s out there somewhere. Nothing on the internet is private.
raincheck August 23rd, 2014 at 20:34
“The police need to just start mowing them down with machine guns, purge them.”
“Can someone be fired for simply writing a letter to the editor that conflicts with your employer’s opinion?” It should face some sort of backlash? If your sympathetic toward this person after reading this woman’s post, you must be pretty sick yourself… backlash indeed!
jasperjava August 24th, 2014 at 00:29
Racism isn’t just an “opinion”, it’s a worldview. You can’t serve the public fairly and impartially if you’re a racist, especially if you think machine-gunning people is a way to solve social issues.
Ted E. Bear August 23rd, 2014 at 12:41
How does something like that (anything) on FB get public? Can anyone view anyone else’s stuff? I thought only friends could view friends pics and so on. Anyone know?
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:19
Depends on how you structure your Wall. I refuse to even have a FB. Don’t care for their policies. It is a way for families to share pictures and keep in touch. If you use it that way, it works.
But always remember, if it’s ON the Internet, it is public. Someone somewhere can get into it, find it, and use it.
Ted E. Bear August 23rd, 2014 at 13:36
From discussions, in this case maybe the woman was “friends” with someone at work who saw it and of course being a good snitch ran to the bosses. Maybe. I suppose friends of friends can relay stuff too.
(I don’t do FB either. I think it’s nuts.)
Carla Akins August 23rd, 2014 at 15:42
I believe she used her Facebook account to post on a public site, like a newspaper. Many sites require you sign in with some kind of social media like FB or Google. That makes her statement public.
Ted E. Bear August 23rd, 2014 at 16:58
Ahhh! That explains it. Thank you!
FB takes out another one. I guess it will never end.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:15
that and this racists assumed that all the “white” people she was friends with on her FB page shared in her ignorance. well good for whoever shared her post.
Ted E. Bear August 23rd, 2014 at 12:41
How does something like that (anything) on FB get public? Can anyone view anyone else’s stuff? I thought only friends could view friends pics and so on. Anyone know?
BanditBasheert August 23rd, 2014 at 13:19
Depends on how you structure your Wall. I refuse to even have a FB. Don’t care for their policies. It is a way for families to share pictures and keep in touch. If you use it that way, it works.
But always remember, if it’s ON the Internet, it is public. Someone somewhere can get into it, find it, and use it.
Ted E. Bear August 23rd, 2014 at 13:36
From discussions, in this case maybe the woman was “friends” with someone at work who saw it and of course being a good snitch ran to the bosses. Maybe. I suppose friends of friends can relay stuff too.
(I don’t do FB either. I think it’s nuts.)
Carla Akins August 23rd, 2014 at 15:42
I believe she used her Facebook account to post on a public site, like a newspaper. Many sites require you sign in with some kind of social media like FB or Google. That makes her statement public.
Ted E. Bear August 23rd, 2014 at 16:58
Ahhh! That explains it. Thank you!
FB takes out another one. I guess it will never end.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:15
that and this racists assumed that all the “white” people she was friends with on her FB page shared in her ignorance. well good for whoever shared her post.
Lolivas August 23rd, 2014 at 13:46
Moral of the story. “Don’t live in Texas”
Lolivas August 23rd, 2014 at 13:46
Moral of the story. “Don’t live in Texas”
Adam Ivie August 23rd, 2014 at 16:00
oh the stench of the impending lawsuit is overwhelming
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:13
wrong state to file suit and win. she can file a suit sure. but, she won’t win. texas is an at will state.
Adam Ivie August 23rd, 2014 at 16:00
oh the stench of the impending lawsuit is overwhelming
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:13
wrong state to file suit and win. she can file a suit sure. but, she won’t win. texas is an at will state.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:24
it always amazes me that when protest by black people happen because they believe there was an injustice done, (and when there is a small group) that starts rioting (which of course I don’t approve of)
they are quick to call them every despicable name in the book and label “them”
all as violent people to the point where you get the military type
responses. yet, whenever white people
(of course not all) get a “win” over a damned soccer game or baseball game
there’s a riot. cars tipped over and set on fire, breaking
store front windows. police cars and
news vans destroyed and i’ve never seen the outcome with the police as we’re
seeing in Ferguson.
whatthe46 August 23rd, 2014 at 18:24
it always amazes me that when protest by black people happen because they believe there was an injustice done, (and when there is a small group) that starts rioting (which of course I don’t approve of)
they are quick to call them every despicable name in the book and label “them”
all as violent people to the point where you get the military type
responses. yet, whenever white people
(of course not all) get a “win” over a damned soccer game or baseball game
there’s a riot. cars tipped over and set on fire, breaking
store front windows. police cars and
news vans destroyed and i’ve never seen the outcome with the police as we’re
seeing in Ferguson.
g75401 August 23rd, 2014 at 20:05
Love it….a Texas conservative gets pinched by that hallmark of conservative ideology, the “Right to Work” law. Karma, baby!
g75401 August 23rd, 2014 at 20:05
Love it….a Texas conservative gets pinched by that hallmark of conservative ideology, the “Right to Work” law. Karma, baby!