Charlene Carter criticized the Southwest Union funds to help members attend a women’s march sponsored by Planned Parenthood. Carter condemned the union president on social media and included images of aborted fetuses. Carter claims she is a Christian who opposes abortion.
Southwest Airlines alleges that Carter violated its social media policies and terminated her. Carter filed a lawsuit claiming she was the subject of religious discrimination. Southwest argued that Carter was fired for harassing coworkers about the Women’s March on social media in violation of a company “civility policy.”
Following a jury trial, Carter was awarded $800,000 in damages. U.S. District Jude Brantley Starr also ordered Southwest to notify employee of their rights against religious discrimination.
Instead, Judge Starr alleges that Southwest did its best to “invert” the order. Southwest posted a notice stating that a court had “ordered us to inform you that Southwest does not discriminate against our employees for their religious practices and beliefs.” The airline also allegedly posted a memo defending its decision to fire Carter and warned workers not to violate the company policy that led to Carter’s termination. Three of…
