Home Depot Fires Florida Man Over God Pin

Where have we heard this argument before? As we all know, "one nation, under God, indivisible," is a line from the Pledge of Allegiance. And Trevor Keezer was able to get away with wearing that pin to work at Home Depot from March 2008 until October 23rd, when he was fired for violating the company's dress code. Prior to being fired, Keezer had begun bringing a Bible with him to work and would read the book privately during his lunch break.

The explanation for the firing was pretty clear from Home Depot spokesman Craig Fishel: "This associate chose to wear a button that expressed his religious beliefs. The issue is not whether or not we agree with the message on the button," he said. "That's not our place to say, which is exactly why we have a blanket policy, which is long-standing and well-communicated to our associates, that only company-provided pins and badges can be worn on our aprons."

Keezer and his attorney have - surprise! - decided to sue Home Depot on the grounds of religious discrimination. But, other legal experts point out correctly that Home Depot is a private company and that it is not bound by the same first amendment requirements that would govern, for example, the federal government. So this one is likely headed for a courtroom, if Home Depot doesn't decide to just give Keezer a few dollars to move on and shut up.

And it sounds like Home Depot did their homework when drafting company policy. You can't wear any pins that are not provided by the company. If that's the policy, then any argument for discrimination on religious grounds - or any other - would be moot. After all, policy is policy.