Bus Driver Suspended Over Refusal to Drive with Atheist Ad
The Des Moines Regional Transit Authority in Iowa has suspended an employee who refused to drive a bus that carried an ad for an atheist group.
Angela Shiel, 41, was suspended on Monday after she refused to drive a bus that featured on its side an ad paid for by the Iowa Atheists & Freethinkers.
The ad reads "Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
According to the Des Moines Register, Shiel said driving with such an ad "goes against everything I believe in."
"For me to drive a bus that is totally against my beliefs personally - that's why I didn't take it," she added.
In dealing with Shiel's response, DART general manager Brad Miller, said transit authority officials gave her four options: Shiel has to agree to drive any bus, resume her current position but face termination should she refuse again, resign, or drive paratransit buses - few of which have ads.
Notably, in choosing to resume her current position, Shiel would have a good chance of coming across another bus with an atheist ad as bus assignments are made on the spot, based on such factors as the number of seats and mileage.
While she considers her options, Shiel will remain suspended.
Miller expects Shiel to make a decision some time next week.
