Hi everyone! I received the following on a bulletin on Myspace this morning and thought I would share it here:
Hello, My name is Ashley. I work at Hot Topic, store number 286, in Glen Burnie, Maryland. I am writing today to ask for your support in having Hot Topic's policies changed around, especially the one that is currently allowing me, a practicing Pagan, to be singled out.
Hot Topic does not tolerate pentagrams, calling them Satanic. I have been forbidden to wear mine during work hours, having been told Witchcraft is not a religion that Hot Topic recognizes. A manager has decided that she cannot work with me, due to my religious choices, and now is attempting to have me fired.
I have been "written up" and sat down twice, once by her and once by the store manager, because of a conversation involving three other people about drugs, WHILE THE STORE WAS CLOSED, and because I answered the manager's questions about another associate's missed time. No one else was punished for the drug conversation. I work in a store full of practicioners of other beliefs. The manager trying to get me fired is always covered in Christian jewelry and keychains. I am denied any of my own religious wear.
I wrote to the A.C.L.U. last night, and am currently awaiting a response.
During this time, I am asking that everyone repost. I am not the only Pagan being punished. Every time someone wearing a pentagram walks in, the manager trying to get me fired talks badly about them when they leave.
My mother comes in in her jewelry, and I have to wonder, what is said then?
Together, as a community, we can make a difference. Pagans make up 80% of our sales, and if we stop shopping there, they will have to make a change. I am already petitioning to have this change brought about, by calling the A.C.L.U..
Pass this around. Religious persecution was supposed to have died with the witch trials.
Don't let this store, the only place these kids have to go, continue to push us away!
Ashley ( myspace.com/catslitterbox8804 )
Employee at Hot Topic store number 286,
Marley Station Mall
Glen Burnie, Maryland
I'm currently waitng for a response from this individual and may try to organize a protest at as many Hot Topic stores as possible.
Your comments on this matter are welcome! Please feel free to repost on your Myspace page or any other sites you belong to!
Thanks and BB )O(
Phoenix