Manager Fired for Discriminating Against Transgender

Image courtesy of Coollady G

In Orlando, Florida, a McDonald’s manager has been fired for discrimination. The manager refused to hire a 17 year old transgender woman, then called her and left a message filled with homosexual slurs. More specifically, the manager stated in his message that, “we do not hire faggots.” A second manager was also involved in the decision to not hire the 17 year old, but no action has been taken against him as of this post.

The Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund has since filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Rights. A spokesperson for the McDonald’s later spoke with the Orlando Sentinel, saying the restaurant has a zero tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment. She also told the Orlando Sentinel that the manager had “acted outside the scope of his authority and was not responsible”.

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence. According to the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, 47% of transgender people report running into these types of problems whether by being fired or by being passed over for a job or promotion. However, not all employers are as overt in their bigotry as this manager was. Subsequently, action against discrimination can become much more difficult.

Learn more about legal options in these types of situations on this San Antonio employment lawyer‘s website. It’s important that employers not discriminate against employees or potential employees based on anything other than their qualifications. When employers do cross that line, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other special interest groups get involved.

If you know of other cases like this one, I recommend spreading the word about it. Publicity on this subject can generally be a great help to the oppressed party. As always, comments are welcomed and encouraged.