Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfwreck
A contract that demands "no immoral behavior that would set a bad example for students" is only reasonable if people agree on what "immoral behavior" is.
I would not think that going to a party, as an adult, and having a beer, was a "bad example." I would expect kids to realize that, when they are adults, they will be free to engage in similar behaviors. There's nothing illegal about it, and nothing immoral, as most of the US counts morality.
If there are specific behaviors not allowed, it's reasonable to list those. However, most morals clauses--including some being thrown at authors--are horribly vague. Attempts to get them to spell out the clause wind up in being turned down, not details--there's no law, currently, that says a company has to define its morality.
And while you may be in a position to say, "I just wouldn't take ANY job with a morals clause," some people are stuck with "I can take this... or I can be homeless." Living with the hope that the company's concept of "morality" is close to your own is not a ridiculous choice, and finding out you were wrong doesn't mean it's okay for the company to have mislead you.
We can check whether the policy is fair by assuming a different basis for "morality"--if a company has a bland, standard morals clause, but starts firing Christians for "praying to a death-god and teaching children they don't have to face the consequences of their actions because Jesus takes those away"--we'd quickly see a range of lawsuits for religious discrimination. |
I am of the belief that contracts are meant to be negotiated. You are not required to sign any contract "as is." You have to state what terms are acceptable to
YOU. Moral clause requiring BS that you don't feel is legal? Draw a line through it, refuse that portion of the contract, don't sign it. Moral clause obscure? Require them to be specific IN WRITING.
I cannot understand signing a contract that would bind me in such a manner. And yes, I have walked away from jobs due to contracts before (not moral, non-compete). It was hella difficult. I learned a lot about myself during that time period, including how to make $10 worth of food last a whole week and that I look like a crack-head if my weight drops below 130 pounds.
So yes, it's hard as hell to make those types of decisions. This is not any type of high horse or feeling that someone needs to do as I do. This is what I was taught from a child. Never sign anything without reading it first and never sign anything that you do not plan on following through. I still do it today - and it annoys the hell out of people.
And don't forget. McDonald's is almost always hiring.