#Florida man quit Publix job over ban on Black Lives Matter masks

A Florida man quit his job at Publix over the supermarket chain’s policy barring non-company messaging on face coverings, including those supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, according to reports.

Quinton Desamours, 18, walked off his job at a Publix on Lee Boulevard in Lehigh Acres after being told by an assistant manager on June 6 that his surgical mask with “BLM” scrawled on it wasn’t appropriate, he told the Fort Myers News-Press.

“He told me that I was endangering myself and everybody else who worked there,” Desamours told the newspaper. “Then he said he couldn’t have me out on the floor with that mask on.”

One day earlier, Desamours, who worked at the Publix for less than two months, had attended a rally against police brutality in Fort Myers, where he was so moved that he cried, he told the Tampa Bay Times.

“I personally believe that, in order for there to be change in this world, everyone needs to be on board,” Desamours said of his decision to quit over the mask policy.

The recent high school grad said he’s fortunate enough to stand up for his beliefs because he’s still living with his parents. He’s also gotten many messages of support from his former coworkers for his decision, he said.

“If people see the message out in public more often, they can become more aware,” Desamours told the Tampa Bay Times.

In a letter to its 220,000-plus employees earlier this month, Publix CEO Todd Jones said the company was donating $1 million to National Urban League affiliates across the southeast as part of its “long-standing support” of the national civil rights group.

“Like you, I’m saddened and unsettled by racial injustice or events that divide our country,” Jones said. “Now, more than ever, is the time for us to listen with open hearts and to lead with empathy — toward each other, toward our customers and toward our communities. At Publix, we reject racism and discrimination of any kind.”

But Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous confirmed that employees must wear approved face coverings only while on the job.

“Our uniform policy does not permit non-Publix messaging on clothing or accessories,” Brous told the Tampa Bay Times Monday.

Desamours is now questioning whether Jones’ claim that the company rejects racism is authentic in light of his experience.

“I had to portray a message and be part of the change that has to come to the country,” he told the News-Press. “I’m not trying to conform for any company or anybody because the change needs to happen now.”

Starbucks, meanwhile, on Friday reversed its ban of Black Lives Matter-related apparel after an internal memo advising employees that the gear violated its dress code sparked backlash online.