Are employers allowed to terminate employees for refusing to comply with unlawful instructions?

In Tennessee, employers are generally not allowed to terminate employees for refusing to comply with an unlawful instruction. According to Tennessee’s employment discrimination laws, employers are prohibited from terminating employees based on their race, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, or other protected characteristics. These laws, enforced by the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, extend to prohibiting employers from taking any adverse action against an employee who refuses to comply with an unlawful instruction. If an employee refuses to follow an instruction that would result in the violation of a law, employer policy, or their own personal convictions, they are protected from disciplinary action or termination. For example, if an employer were to ask an employee to do something that is considered unethical, such as fabricating financial documents, the employee would be protected if they declined. This does not provide employees with a blank check to disobey instructions, only those that are considered unlawful. It is important for employers to be aware of the laws and policies in place to protect employees from job discrimination or retaliation. Employers must also ensure that their instructions are consistent with the law and employee rights.

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Are employers allowed to terminate employees for refusing to comply with unlawful instructions?

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