HAVELOCK, N.C. — Gary Dean, 69, wore a neck gaiter with an American flag printed on it to his job at Food Lion in Havelock, North Carolina. But, Food Lion's uniform policy did not allow for staff members to wear clothing with "writing, insignia or symbols." Dean's manager told him that someone was offended by the American flag image, and he was not allowed to wear the mask anymore at work.
Dean is a veteran of the US Air Force, and decided to resign from his job at the Food Lion, saying that the cooperate decision went against his personal values.
Food Lion said in a statement that they "have great respect" for the American Flag, but their policy doesn't allow symbols like the American flag.
"The dress code is meant to ensure a consistent and professional representation of our associates inside of our stores," Food Lion said in a statement
After a week of the story gaining national attention, Food Lion has changed course. They released an updated statement and said after listening to employees and customers they decided to change their 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," a tweet from Food Lion said.
Food Lion has since updated its policy to allow associates to wear masks with the American flag that otherwise meets their uniform standards. In a statement they said:
"Food Lion has the utmost respect for the American flag and has a proud, long history of partnering with and supporting military organizations and communities. Over the past few days, we have been listening to our associates and customers about Food Lion’s mask policy as part of our uniform standards. As COVID-19 spread, Food Lion worked to protect its associates by making masks available to be worn as part of their uniform. While we continue to maintain our uniform standards requiring associates to wear masks without writing, insignia or symbols, we will allow associates to wear masks with the American flag that meet this standard. We appreciate and thank our more than 77,0000 associates who are working hard every day to safely nourish our neighbors in the towns and cities we serve."
