Is an employer allowed to forbid someone from attending school if it won't interfere with their job?

Question

I work as an assistant manager full time and recently told my boss I would like to start taking some classes once a week. I was told that if I enrolled in school I would be either fired or demoted. This is not a job where I am required to be on call on my days off and there has never been an issue if an employee requests a specific day off every week. In fact, many other employees have set days off every week. It seems to me the ONLY reason that they have an issue is because I will be in school that one day. Is this legal? Can an employer dictate what I do in my free time if it will not interfere with my work schedule?

Answer 1

OK. Rule #1:  If you are going to school, and it will not interfere with your job, then do not tell your employer.  It's none of their business.  The only reason to tell your employer is if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.  Otherwise, the only thing that could possibly come of telling your employer that you are attending classes is that you will be told you could be fired.  As you've learned.

Take the class.  How will he know?

Answer 2

No.

You rent your skills to your employer, you don't sell yourself into slavery.

They're probably afraid of losing you.

I'd arrange for them to lose you asap, with that attitude.

Answer 3

I'm pridy shure its not but if he fiers you for going to school you can sue him  

Answer 4

i don't think it's legal