Is common sense
dead?
Daniel A. Lorenz regularly wore a collared shirt to work, but it clearly wasn't the type expected in the Wal-Mart Supercenter's dress code.
He says he was fired last week upon reporting for duty in his priest's shirt with Roman collar, an Arab headdress and six crosses.
Supervisors had warned Lorenz that his job was at risk over his appearance, which they said violated dress codes and upset customers and fellow workers, particularly Catholics.
But Lorenz, 20, ignored requests to shed the shirt and collar — the main bones of contention — claiming they reflect his unique spiritual beliefs.
The article mentioned that he rounded out his unorthodox look with patches on his hip pack bearing the anarchy symbol and the words "vampire" and "ninja."
Upon being fired, most Americans would focus on the old-fashioned response of looking for a new job. Mr. Lorenz has chosen a more progressive option; one which is rapidly rising in popularity. He filed an improper employment termination complaint with the EEOC.
"I believe I have been discriminated against because of my religion, universal belief," he said in a sworn affidavit filed with the agency Tuesday.
Wal-Mart disagrees (of course).
Although declining comment on Lorenz's case, Sharon Weber said from Wal-Mart headquarters that company policies are designed to be fair while promoting the professionalism and corporate identity that customers expect.
"Wal-Mart provides reasonable accommodation with respect to the dress code when it is appropriate to do so based on a bona fide religious belief," she said. The company "will not honor requests that show a lack of respect for the faiths of others."
The purpose of an employee is to do the work prescribed by the employer in a manner acceptable to the employer. In return, the employer grants recompense in the form of wages and benefits. As a Wal-Mart stocker, Mr. Lorenz' job description did not include reflecting his unique spiritual beliefs. The employer is entitled to set a dress standard and require that its employees follow it. The employee is free to wear whatever they would like, provided they are prepared to start looking for a new job.
I do not believe that Daniel has been a victim of discrimination. I believe he is a young man who has been given everything he needs except discipline. He believes whatever he wants and wears whatever he wants. He is in dire need of 'the' lecture from old Uncle Hab.
The article ended with one additional note:
Also filing an EEOC complaint Tuesday was Melanie Lorenz, Daniel's sister, who claims Wal-Mart fired her last month in retaliation for reporting a co-worker's inappropriate remarks.
