In a case highlighting the complex intersection of religious freedom and workplace policies, a longtime United Airlines flight attendant alleges he was terminated after expressing his Catholic views on Pride Month to a colleague, according to recent reports from the New York Post.
Career derailed by late-night conversation
Ruben D. Sanchez Jr., 52, a 28-year veteran of United Airlines, found his career abruptly ended following what he describes as an innocuous conversation during a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to Cleveland on May 31, 2023. During the flight, Sanchez, who was struggling to stay awake, engaged in a discussion about Catholicism with a fellow flight attendant.
“You know, as Catholics, we’re not really supposed to be observing Pride,” Sanchez reportedly told his colleague, in what he maintains was meant to be an “innocent” conversation to help stay alert during the overnight flight.
Anonymous complaint sparks investigation
The conversation led to an anonymous complaint on X (formerly Twitter), which Sanchez claims falsely accused him of “hating all black people” and being “proudly anti-trans.” The situation unfolded against the backdrop of United Airlines’ prominent Pride Month celebrations, which Sanchez described as featuring “Pride flags everywhere” and “drag-queen DJs” in the Los Angeles terminal.
Social media scrutiny leads to termination
Following his suspension with pay, United Airlines conducted a review of Sanchez’s social media activity. The airline cited several posts as problematic, including:
- Comments about “passengers of size,” including jokes about Elizabeth Taylor and Chris Christie
- Posts regarding the Pride flag’s “transgender triangle”
- Climate change skepticism
- A photo showing him carrying a pilot, which the airline claimed created a “nexus” between his personal social media and professional role
Current status and support
“I’m too young to retire and too old to start new,” Sanchez told the New York Post. He has since taken a position with the Air National Guard in Alaska at a significantly reduced salary. According to Sanchez, neither the airline nor the Association of Flight Attendants union offered support during the controversy.
Broader implications
The case raises significant questions about the balance between religious expression, corporate policies on inclusion, and social media conduct in the modern workplace. It comes at a time when companies increasingly face challenges in navigating these sensitive intersections while maintaining inclusive work environments.
As the story continues to develop, it adds to the ongoing national conversation about religious freedom in the workplace and the extent to which employers can regulate employees’ expressions of faith and social media presence.