No Company for Old Men?

Former Google executive Brian Reid is suing the company for age discrimination, claiming that he was let go because he was not considered a “cultural fit” with the youthful corporate outlook. A district court found in the company’s favor, but an appeals court threw out that ruling. Now the suit is before the California Supreme Court. At issue, apparently, is the so-called “stray remarks” doctrine invented in 1989 by U.S.

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Adding injury to insult, Reid was let go shortly before Google went public, which cost him a potential payday well into the millions of dollars.

The company disputes the allegations. But why should they have to? Frankly, whose business is it but Google’s? Why should they not be allowed to determine whom they employ and whom they let go? What right does anyone else have to say how the company’s jobs should be disposed of?

Perhaps Google should consult with Rand Paul on this.

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