Hmm, let me see. I've got snakes on my computer desktop, I have a few pics of snakes hanging in my cube, I've got plastic and rubber snakes sitting on top of my monitors, I frequently wear T-Shirts that have snakes or other reptiles on them and I have a 10 gallon aquarium with a breeding pair of leopard geckos in it sitting on my desk. Nobody says a word except to ask me to let them know when I'll be feeding the lizards next because they want to watch. (I do make sure to feed 3/4 grown crickets so the chirping doesn't bother anyone) Everyone at work is well aware of my obsession and they accept it just fine. If my employer asked me to remove my stuff, of course I'd do it right away because, after all it's their business and they own the facilities. But I think that most employers understand that letting an employee customize their cube to make it feel more homey makes the employee happier. And a happy employee is a more productive employee.

HOWEVER... if you suspect that you may have been fired because of your hobby, even though you complied with your employers requests, it sounds to me like it could be discrimination. If you feel strongly about it, it might not be a bad idea to talk to a lawyer about it. An initial consultation usually doesn't cost that much and it could give you some peace of mind.

Mark


>>Has anyone been "harrased" or disciplined for having snakes or reptiles as pets, or having even their pictures on their desk or Computer as a Screensaver?
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>> I only ask because at my last employer I was ordered to take down anything snake related at MY desk because there was 1 person that is afraid of snakes. I completely agreed and took down everything, 2 weeks later I was let go, for reasons they were caught lying about.
>> I was talking about this with my Father who dislikes snakes as well and he thinks it is highly possible that a lot of employers do not like snakes/reptiles and suggested that I do not bring up my hobby for fear of discrimination. The more I think about this stuff, I lean more towards the idea of making my hobby my own business. That way I can't harass myself! Or can I
>> Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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>>-----
>>In Loving Memory of the best Brother God gave me
>> Sgt. Arnold DuPlantier II
>> (Army National Guard, Charlie Rock Co.)
>> 06/01/1979-06/22/2005
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