Why I'm Boycotting Panera Bread

The Premise

After reading the story of Tammy McCoy, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, I was horrified. Have we not evolved at all, in our acceptance of other persons' religious beliefs? Do we still, in the 21st century, try to persecute those who are not Christian?

On March 24, 2021, she filed a lawsuit against the Panera Bread Company, alleging she was a victim of religious discrimination upon revealing she was not a Christian, and that ultimately, both she and her husband were fired for their pagan beliefs.

Why We Should Take This Seriously

It’s possible this article resonated more deeply with me than it will others, because I am very aware of my family’s roots and of the murderous mob mentality that has overtaken Christian communities in the spotty history of America.

Specifically, during the Salem Witch Trials.

I have three ancestors who were accused of witchcraft in 1692. One of them was hanged, one died in prison from exposure and starvation, and the third was released after “confessing”, a result no doubt due to the torture that the accused men and women were routinely subjected to.

All in all, should you need a refresher course, during that shameful chapter of American history more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft, 30 women and men were found guilty, 19 were hanged, 1 man was pressed to death between stones, and 5 others died in custody, all between February of 1692, and May of 1693.

And… it all started with the nonsense spouting from the mouths of two individuals.

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Note: The Panera Bread lawsuit makes no mention of witchcraft, only paganism, but I can’t help but see the parallels.

We should all be aware of the dangers of religious persecution, and realize it is still alive and kicking in 21st century America. It should not be allowed to rear its ugly head without consequences.

The Lawsuit Details

In Tammy McCoy’s case, according to the lawsuit, she was hired by Panera Bread in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania in October of 2019.

She says she never offered any information at the time regarding her religious convictions because she didn’t feel it was relevant to her job as a baker. (It wasn’t).

Seven months later, in May of 2020, McCoy was on a break with both her manager and assistant manager, when the latter asked her, out of the blue, which religion she followed.

Uncomfortable with the question, but intimidated because it was a supervisor asking, she was honest and said, “I am Pagan.”

She claims the assistant manager answered with, “You’re going to hell,” while the manager vigorously nodded her head in agreement, while frowning with displeasure.

The two told McCoy that “her soul would be condemned to hell”, that “her religion was false” and that they would “pray for her.”

McCoy goes on to allege that her workplace then became a hostile environment, that she was threatened, had her pay docked for breaks she never took, and had her hours cut.

When she asked why her schedule had changed, she was told it was because she “needed to find God”, and that once she did, her regular schedule would be restored.

McCoy claims that when she reached out to the district manager, asking to be transferred to another store, she was told, “No. We’re probably going to get rid of you anyway.”

She says that she left messages for the HR department at Panera Bread Headquarters, but never heard back

McCoy further alleges that on July 27, 2020, she was “told to give her notice” by the district manager, who also taunted her for trying to get the attention of the higher management.

At that time, according to the lawsuit, both she and her husband, who also worked at Panera Bread, were fired.

"McCoy was fully qualified to do her job, and that the harassment and firing were solely due to her Pagan religious beliefs." -McCoy’s lawyer, Michael J. Bruzzese

The lawsuit filing states that the actions taken by the management at the Pleasant Hills Panera Bread, and also by the district manager were “committed with intentional and reckless disregard for (McCoy’s) protected rights.”

The Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prevents discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

Bruzzese has requested a jury trial from the federal court system.

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In the meantime, this author will be getting her croissants from Dunkin’ Donuts.

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https://triblive.com/local/south-hills/pagan-woman-sues-pleasant-hills-panera-over-religious-discrimination/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials