Liberty Institute: Award-Winning Journalist Fired For Writing About His Faith

NEWTON, Iowa, July 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Liberty Institute, attorneys for Bob Eschliman, the former Newton Daily News editor-in-chief, filed and official charge of discrimination with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). After unlawfully terminating Eschliman's employment, the president of Shaw Media explained in an editorial ("Earning public trust our priority," May 5, 2014) that, though Eschliman was entitled to his religious beliefs, "his public airing of [his beliefs] compromised the reputation of this newspaper and his ability to lead it."

"No one should be fired for simply expressing his religious beliefs," said Matthew Whitaker, former United States Attorney, partner of Whitaker, Hagenow, & Gustoff, LLP, who also serves as a volunteer Liberty Institute attorney.  "In America, it is against the law to fire an employee for expressing a religious belief in public.  This kind of religious intolerance by an employer has no place in today's welcoming workforce."

Eschliman's article, written on his private blog, defended his beliefs regarding Holy Scripture and the institution of marriage.  Just a few days later, Eschliman was placed on indefinite paid suspension while his employer, Shaw Media, investigated the matter.  On May 5, 2014, Eschliman was summarily fired and immediately escorted out of the building – without being permitted to gather his personal effects from his office.  A copy of Eschliman's statement in support of his charge of discrimination may be read here: https://libertyinstitute.org/eschliman

The EEOC will begin an independent investigation of Eschliman's charges of religious discrimination and retaliation.  Should the EEOC determine that Shaw Media is guilty of religious discrimination, it may order broad relief, including back pay, front pay, and other significant damages for the unlawful conduct of Eschliman's former employer.

About Liberty Institute
Liberty Institute is a nonprofit legal group dedicated to restoring and defending religious liberty across America – in our schools, for our churches, and throughout the public arena. Liberty Institute's vision is to reestablish liberty in accordance with the principles of our nation's founders. Visit www.LibertyInstitute.org for more information.

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SOURCE Liberty Institute