Employer Obligations for Political and Discriminatory Speech in the Workplace

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election quickly approaches, tensions are sure to heat up, fueled by the incendiary language of political actors and increasing political polarization. Employers must be mindful of the rights and obligations imposed upon them regarding political speech in the workplace, regardless of whether it occurs on or offline. If not handled properly, political discussions can lead to breakdowns in workplace relationships and morale, adverse employment actions or even lawsuits.