Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Minnesota

I work for a large metropolitan county in the Adult Probation Correctional Division. Recently, we were given a new Code of Ethics Policy in the department and I am questioning the legality of the policy, specifically one of the newest additions listed below.

6. Do not offer opinions, criticism, or disclose information about ------------- County business on any social networking site(s), including but not limited to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.

Excuse me? Who are they to tell me I can't reflect my own opinions about my job on my personal time? I wonder, in fact, why our department which is a governmental agency would care what I said to my friends and family on my Facebook account about MY job. It isn't any of their business. Doesn't this cross a Freedom of Speech boundary? Plus, all of the rules they lay out are completely subjective, therefore, they will change and manipulate their rules in order to get what they want. This just tells me they know they are deceitful, dishonest and corrupt and are willing to let the little guy go down for them.


Asked on 7/25/10, 10:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Landon Ascheman Ascheman Law

There are many limitations that employers can place on employees. In some cases such limitations and restrictions are legal and in others it violates a persons rights.

Based on the limited information it is unknown which will apply. It will likely depend on how the rule is applied.

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Answered on 7/25/10, 1:46 pm


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