San Diego, CA (June 18, 2025)—Today, Legal Aid at Work filed a federal lawsuit in San Diego on behalf of Lauren Gaw, a registered nurse who was fired by her employer for having stickers supporting Palestine on her personal water bottles at work. The complaint alleges that SCA Health, an outpatient surgical center in La Jolla owned by Defendant UnitedHealth Group Inc., violated California law by selectively punishing her for exercising her right to express her political views in the workplace.
Ms. Gaw’s case highlights the protections enshrined in California Labor Code sections 1101 and 1102, which prohibit employers from interfering with or retaliating against workers for their political beliefs or activities.
“California law reflects a fundamental belief that political discourse is essential to a vibrant democratic society, and that employers should not interfere with workers’ rights to participate in civic life,” said Christopher Ho, Director of the National Origin and Immigrants’ Rights Program at Legal Aid at Work. “Lauren’s termination violated these laws, which prevent employers from being able to punish or reward employees based on their favored politics.”
The complaint alleges that while Gaw was punished, even though her speech was entirely nondisruptive, SCA Health allowed other employees to express support for Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza, and even to verbally harass Ms. Gaw with impunity.
“Unlike coworkers who expressed views on similar political subjects, Lauren was suspended and ultimately fired. This is a clear example of illegal viewpoint discrimination,” said Ho. “She was also terminated for having political stickers—one of the mildest forms of political expression imaginable. At no time did Lauren even try to engage her co-workers in political discussion.”
This case unfolds against the backdrop of a broader national development where workers, students and others have increasingly faced retaliation, surveillance, doxxing, or worse for expressing dissenting political views. Ms. Gaw’s lawsuit underscores the critical importance of enforcing workplace protections for political expression—especially during moments of heightened political repression.
This experience has been traumatizing and heartbreaking for Ms. Gaw.
“As a nurse, caring for people is not just a profession—it’s a reflection of my values,” she said. “Being fired for a peaceful expression of my beliefs was devastating. No one should have to choose between their conscience and their livelihood.”
The lawsuit, which also alleges workplace discrimination and violations of California public policy, seeks compensatory damages for Ms. Gaw’s lost wages and emotional distress. It also seeks changes to company policies to ensure that all employees’ political speech is treated equally and lawfully.
A copy of the complaint can be found here.
Media Contacts:
Christopher Ho
Director, National Origin and Immigrants’ Rights Program
Legal Aid at Work
(415) 593-0055
cho@legalaidatwork.org
Kevin Clune
Vice President of Strategy
Legal Aid at Work
kclune@legalaidatwork.org
415-593-0073
About Legal Aid at Work
Legal Aid at Work partners with people to help them understand and assert their workplace rights. We also advocate for employment laws and systems that empower low-paid workers and marginalized communities. https://legalaidatwork.org/