Grocery Store Goes Full Reverse After Immense Backlash From American Flag Controversy
It was all over the web in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern US this weekend, the grocery store chain Food Lion paid for an immense amount of social media ads after they experience immense backlash.
“Food Lion deeply respects the American flag,” the company said in a statement posted on Twitter. “We listened to our associates and customers about our uniform policy. We require that associates wear masks without writing, insignia or symbols. We will allow associates to wear masks with the American flag that meet this standard.”
Food Lion deeply respects the American flag. We listened to our associates and customers about our uniform policy. We require that associates wear masks without writing, insignia or symbols. We will allow associates to wear masks with the American flag that meet this standard. pic.twitter.com/RAVYPDSYHF
— Food Lion (@FoodLion) September 5, 2020
The statement came after an Air Force veteran, Gary Dean, 69, resigned from his position after he was told the American Flag neck gaiter violated company policy. Dean’s manager at the Food Lion in Havelock, North Carolina notified him that someone was offended by the American flag image and he is not to wear the mask again.
“Apparently, corporate came down and said, ‘Somebody was offended by the image of the American flag on the face covering,'” Dean said, adding that he decided to quit his job rather than compromise his principles.
“As a veteran, my dad being a World War II hero, my best friend killed in Vietnam, out of respect for them, I can’t just say no, I’ll take my flag and put it in my pocket,” Dean said. “I had to quit, out of principle.”
Before the sudden reversal Food Lion’s original statement stood by its policy stating they “prohibit associates from wearing clothing with writing, insignia, or symbols.”
It is not known if Dean will return to work.
