Bank Teller Fired for Saying 'Have a Blessed Day'

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Jul 08, 2014

Bank Teller Fired for Saying 'Have a Blessed Day'

A Kentucky woman has been fired from her position at U.S. Bank for telling clients to “have a blessed day.” Polly Neace, a bank teller for over 20 years, is now filing suit against the bank for unlawful termination. 

According to Christian Today, Neace had been warned by management several times before her termination; she received her first warning in 2011, along with a Code of Ethics violation. 

The violation read, "Effective immediately you will no longer discuss the subject of faith or religion with customers and co-workers alike.”

Neace was also accused of discussing religion with a customer after she heard the individual use the Lord’s name in vain. Another violation occurred when a client wished Neace a blessed day; she said in reply, “Thank you; God bless you too.” 

According to Neace’s attorney Jeff Blankenship, the termination came one day after Neace complained about a situation at the bank; the teller joked with a manager that she “might as well go back to telling people to have a blessed day” and be fired. 

Blankenship says that Neace has protection under the First Amendment. "The proof in the record has shown that Polly was discharged because she insisted upon the right to say 'have a blessed day,'" he said.

U.S. Bank said in a statement, “...we hold our employees to high ethical standards when interacting with customers and co-workers, and take violations of these standards seriously.”

"While we cannot comment provide comment on pending litigation, we believe that this lawsuit is without merit and believe the facts presented in future legal proceedings will justify our actions."

Publication date: July 8, 2014



Bank Teller Fired for Saying 'Have a Blessed Day'