Freedom of Association

by KYW's Amy Feldman

The Outlaws Motorcycle Club is a group of leather jacketed, motorcycle-riding nogoodniks (or so their literature claims).  The “Outlaw” in Outlaws Motorcycle Club isn’t just for appearances.  In fact, the club has been linked to methamphetamine distribution and other violent activities.  When four corrections officers joined the club, they were fired for their association with it—so they took justice into their own hands.  They bravely sued.  What about their right—and yours--to freedom of association to join an after work club that your boss doesn’t like?

The Outlaws Motorcycle Club corrections officers lost their lawsuit. The court found that their association with a club that promotes illegal activities reflects badly on the department of corrections, and their personal association could cause the public to fear for its safety.  And your private employer has even more freedom to fire you than their employer - the government - if it doesn’t like your posse.  Sometimes you do have to chose between your peeps and your profession, and if you choose your job make sure your associations don’t jeopardize it.