Food Lion changes face-covering policy after NC Air Force vet quits job

HAVELOCK, N.C. — A now-former employee of a North Carolina supermarket said he quit his job last week after being told he could not wear a face-covering depicting the American flag while at work, WCTI reported.

Gary Dean said he left his job at the Food Lion in Havelock and was shocked the American flag would be offensive to anyone, especially in a military town.

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The town in Craven County is the home of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, the world’s largest Marine Corps air station.

Dean said he served six years in the U.S. Air Force -- four years active, two as an inactive reservist.

“As a veteran, my dad being a World War II hero, my best friend killed in Vietnam, out of respect for them I can’t just say, ’No, I’ll take my flag and put it in my pocket,’” Dean told WCTI. “I had to quit, out of principle.”

The Food Lion manager told him Tuesday to take the mask off because it had the U.S. flag on it.

“Apparently, corporate came down and said, ‘Somebody was offended by the image of the American flag on the face covering,’” Dean said.

Dean said he has been wearing the mask for months without an issue.

Food Lion sent WCTI the following statement after Dean quit:

“At Food Lion, we have great respect for the American flag. Like many other organizations, we also have policies that guide the attire and conduct of associates in the workplace. As part of our effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the well-being of our associates and customers, we’ve required associates to either wear reusable face masks provided by Food Lion or choose to wear a different face covering while working. However, all face coverings must adhere to standards set by the company and communicated to each of our more than 77,000 associates. The policy prohibits associates from wearing clothing with writing, insignia or symbols. The dress code is meant to ensure a consistent and professional representation of our associates inside of our stores.”

Read more here.

Days later, Food Lion announced it was changing its rules on face coverings for employees following the incident. Overnight Saturday, the company posted on its Facebook page saying they respect the American flag and have a long history of partnering and supporting military organizations.

Dean said he did not expect anything like this, and was shocked when he received a call from the Food Lion District Vice President, who said because of him they have changed their policy. Dean believes his post on Facebook pushed people to stand with him and prompted Food Lion officials to give him a call.

“He said, ’We’ve heard your voice and we’ve heard so many other voices too and we’ve decided to change our policy and allow the American Flag mask.’ The one I have around my neck here, the one that has caused all of the controversy. And I said, ’I want you to know I really thank you for that.’”

Food Lion said while it will be maintaining uniform standards in regards to masks, it will allow employees to wear masks with the American flag. The policy change will now allow patriotic emblems.

Dean’s story has now been heard nationally, and he said this is a win for everyone.

“It was just a statement of faith and a statement of my belief in my country and my flag. That’s all. It took off on its own because its a good cause and it worked. We won, God won, the country won, freedom won,” he said.

According to Dean, Food Lion officials have offered him his old position at the Havelock store, but he has yet to decide if he will return.

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Cox Media Group