Button Ban, Man Claims He Was Fired Over Patriotic Button - WJW

In this undated photo from video, Trevor Keezer is shown in front of The Home Depot in Okeechobee, Fla.

[josh marshall]

i think this is stupid so what if he wears a button showing his religion. They did not complain about it till he brought a bible. He should be able to get his job back

[Dan]

Stories like this can be seen once every few months. I'm starting to think that people are wearing buttons, t-shirts, etc. to create controversy with hopes of making the news. C'mon, if the company says no buttons, that means no buttons. Period.

[Ed Blackledge]

Home Depot is the same company that fired three elderly employees for catching and detaining a shoplifters. The reason they gave was since store security was not there jobs they were not authorized to catch shoplifters. Where is the common sense with this company. One reason I refuse to shop there.

[Sandy]

The issue for me is why did it take them over a year to enforce the 'blanket policy'. They were just looking for a reason to let him go

[Jessica]

I think this is really Lame! I mean nothin like taking away our rights...Might as well take all the dollar bills away and take off the in god we trust logo on that too. So much 4 protecting our rights..Think of all the ppl who gave their life and are giving their lives 4 our freedom that our country is honestly tryin 2 take away...CRAZY1

[genevieve]

i think the comapny is wrong.our rights are slowly deminishing away

[Mel]

The company has a policy in place, and he was aware of the policy. If he didn't like it, he didn't have to work there. They told him he couldn't wear it, offered him an approved button that would allow him to show "the love of his country". He refused that button, and to remove the button that violated the company dress code, that is insubordination. Every job I've ever had fires people for insubordination...

[John B]

If he has been wearing this button for over a year.....What is the problem? I guess the people of Home Depot are not patriotic. This is absolutely ridiculous.

[EdBruck]

He has his 1st Amendment Right of Freedom of speech! Home Depot was wrong!

[Brittany]

This is my cousion, he is a man of God. Home Depot did him wrong befor they fired him they sent him home days, b/c he wouldn't take him pin off that went on for a week, then the last day they fire him. All he is trying to do is make some money to go to school, and jobs are hard to come by down here. so for all the people that think this should have happen to him your wrong. Trever is a good hearted person and would do anything for anybody even if he didn't know who you were.

[Gary]

This is America this is so wrong

[Shameful]

From the time we were children we learned the Pledge of Allegiance which taught us this country was founded as "one nation under God". But society spends so much time and energy removing slogans that support the Country and God... I have to ask them, what should the Nations Pledge say now ? Maybe "One Nation Ruled Under Political Correctness".
(Trying hard not to stand for anything so nobody is offended ?) Americas Corporations need to get a grip and show American Pride, not hide it ! I believe in Religious freedom, even though it sometimes is taken to the extreme. But I also realize this country was founded UNDER GOD. No other deity was in our pledge as a free nation !

Ron W

[BLACK CLOUD]

What about the Company's rights? Believe me, I am all for workers rights, but the company has to be able to set policy. The policy is no unauthorized buttons. PERIOD. This man's rights were not "taken", he now has the right to find employment with a company that will hire a worker that doesn't abide by the rules of employment.

[Crystal Dean]

I think that it is wrong to ban that man's button for his brother!!! Especially for the FACT the store allowed him to wear the button for a year, I mean what happen for them to change their minds about him wearing it for a year all the way to fire him for it. I have had plenty of family memebers that have served in the services ranging from Air Force, Navy, Marine, & Army; Wyane Thompson (grandfather), Larry Long (uncle), Perry Long (brother instead of cousin by choice), Jackie Fonseca/Scott (adopted daughter) Steve Scott (adopted son-in-law), Terrance McGovern (father-in-law), and Edward Giebner (life partners ex-husband) and I have worn and displayed plenty of support on my car, house, yard, and my clothes. This action helps us feel that they are with us where ever we are instead of in a war zone!!!!! I hope someone offers this man a job and HOME DEPO looses customers over this and comes to realize just how personal people area about the men & women who serve for our freedom to be able to shop there!!!!!!!

[Michelle DoverOhio]

Alright here is my opinion and remember only my opinion.I think we all need to sit back and think about one thing.We are "ONE NATION UNDER GOD"!!! Prayers are said and asked for everyday for those serving over seas is it alright to ask but not show the support in who is going to be watching over them and keeping them safe.I know some people will disagree with me and that's fine but i think that more people need to show who they believe in is keeping them safe. I mean it was a button not as if he was holding bible study in the break room.Bringing his Bible to work good for him.Last time I checked we had freedom of religion.

[nick]

its wrong to fire him. why would you just fire him .if he wore it for a year you should have fired him earlyer. so im with button dude. and he should support his family

[mozzerjones]

First, He was not fired because of a patriotic button!!! He was fired because he did not follow the rules set down by the store. Now!! My PATRIOTIC friend has found a way to try and make money from his fellow Americans. You want to support your brother??? Man up, because your brother IS!!!!!! Don't use this BRAVE man as an excuse to, GET PAID!!!!!!!!!! You are wrong.

[nick]

wwjd

[Bobby]

How many years do we have to be alive to have at least a little bit of FREEDOM. Can anyone tell me that????

[BLACK CLOUD]

"UNDER GOD" was not added to the pledge untill the 1950's. It was done as a political maneuver back then and "GOD" continues to be a POLITICAL issue now.
Feel free to put any message you want to on YOUR home, car, or clothing. But it's the Company's apron, not his. They have to have the right to police what their employees are wearing. Would this be an issue if the button said one nation under ALLAH? Still religious freedom?
No buttons that the company hasn't authorized. PERIOD. That's their policy, that's their right as an employer. He had options to express his patriotism, he chose not to exercise them.