Whether a flight attendant was dismissed due to her religious beliefs or her behavior is central to court discussions. She sent strong anti-abortion content and critical messages to a union leader. Southwest Airlines and the union are appealing an $800,000 payout to her.
A judge’s earlier order required three of the airline’s lawyers to undergo religious liberty training. Three judges at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals listened to arguments. Appellate Judge Corey Wilson closely questioned both sides in the lawsuit brought by flight attendant Charlene Carter against the airline and her union.
Wilson emphasized the main issue: how should an employer balance allowing actions like Carter’s messages without creating a hostile workplace?
Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Via Jake Fraser/Shutterstock)
Southwest argues it was lawful to fire Carter because she violated company rules on workplace civility by sending “hostile and graphic” anti-abortion messages to the union leader, who was also a flight attendant.
Wilson questioned whether Carter was treated fairly when the airline reviewed her Facebook posts and found objectionable material.
Shay Dvoretzky, representing Southwest, clarified that the airline only checked Carter’s social media due to the anti-abortion messages she sent on Facebook.
