Jocelyn Boden, a former Bath & Body Works manager in Layton, Utah, claims she was fired in May for refusing to use a transgender employee's preferred pronouns due to her religious convictions as a devout Latter-day Saint. She has filed a discrimination charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), while Bath & Body Works maintains it complies with all employment laws.
Utah Bath & Body Works manager says she was fired over company's pronoun policy
Culture-trendsReligionUtahAmendmentDiversityMormon
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Jocelyn Boden, a former Bath & Body Works manager in Layton, Utah, claims she was fired in May for refusing to use a transgender employee's preferred pronouns due to her religious convictions as a devout Latter-day Saint. She has filed a discrimination charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), while Bath & Body Works maintains it complies with all employment laws.
Trending- 1 May 2025: Jocelyn Boden terminated from Bath & Body Works
- 2 Last week (before July 9, 2025): Jocelyn Boden filed a charge of discrimination with the EEOC
- Legal action (discrimination charge)
- Public debate on religious freedom vs. LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace
- Loss of employment for Boden
What: Jocelyn Boden, a former Bath & Body Works store manager, claims she was fired for refusing to use a transgender employee's preferred pronouns due to her religious convictions as a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She filed a discrimination charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Bath & Body Works stated she violated their code of conduct, which prohibits unwanted conduct based on gender identity, and that they comply with all employment laws.
When: Published July 9, 2025; Last week (Boden filed charge); May (Boden terminated); Three and a half years (Boden's tenure); 2025 (Human Rights Campaign score).
Where: Layton, Utah; U.S. (EEOC); Texas (First Liberty).
Why: Boden believes that using pronouns out of line with her understanding of gender is dishonest and against her religious convictions, preventing her from referring to a biological female using male pronouns. Bath & Body Works states she violated their code of conduct, which prohibits any unwanted conduct directed at an individual based on their sex, including gender identity.
How: Boden addressed the employee by their chosen name but not preferred pronouns. Team members complained to HR, leading to an interrogation and her termination without warning, allegedly in violation of company discipline policy. First Liberty filed the discrimination charge on her behalf.