Garrison Law partner Josh Goodbaum was recently quoted in a Wall Street Journal article about a Charlie Kirk poster reigniting a national debate over when businesses or their employees can turn away customers whose views they oppose.
The article, entitled “A Charlie Kirk Poster Reignites Debate Over When Businesses Can Refuse Service,” discussed a recent incident at an Office Depot in Michigan and the ensuing debate on discrimination, free speech, and corporate policy. The article details an event where James Asher, a young conservative, was refused service when he tried to print a poster for a vigil honoring the late activist Charlie Kirk. Staff at the Office Depot declined the request, calling the poster “propaganda.” After a video of the interaction gained widespread attention online, Office Depot fired the employees and issued a public apology.
The incident has sparked a national conversation, with figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi suggesting the matter could be grounds for prosecution. Bondi stated she has asked the Justice Department’s civil rights division to investigate Office Depot.
Providing legal context to the complex situation, Josh was quoted in the article, explaining the nuances of anti-discrimination laws. He noted that, while federal laws protect customers from discrimination based on race, religion, or gender, political affiliation is not a protected class under federal employment or public accommodation laws.
“Those laws don’t prohibit discrimination on the basis of political belief,” Goodbaum said.
You can read the full piece here.