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A former senior executive at an unnamed Fortune 500 financial institution alleged that his Christian convictions led to his dismissal after a clash with the company regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
Russ Salerno, now the CEO of ProLifeFinTech, which is described as a pro-life online banking start-up, claims his story highlights a growing conflict between faith-based beliefs and corporate diversity policies.
His troubles began after his employer scrutinized a podcast he co-hosts with his wife, The Winding Road Home, which discusses current events through a biblical perspective. A specific episode critical of inclusivity events at a Washington Pride festival triggered concern at the company.
Drag Queen Story Hour is part of Washington’s Capital Pride events, the Capital Pride Alliance provided a family zone where Playtime Project, an organization that offers “transformative play experiences to children experiencing family housing insecurity,” sponsored two storytelling events.
VV Majesty, the drag artist reading at the event was questioned by conservative website The Daily Signal, and said: “I’ve been called a groomer, I've been called a pedophile, and I'm neither of those things. I live in a society that's gonna call me that just because I do this, because I wear a bra in front of children, or something like that.
“I read two fabulous books that talk about diversity, about inclusion, you know, all the good things that pride and community is about. I just hope that they know it's okay to be themselves, even if it's a little bit outside of the norm.”
During a performance review, Salerno was encouraged to join the company’s LGBTQ ally network to “expand his horizons”, he declined, citing a lack of inclusion for Christians in the organization’s diversity initiatives.
“I felt the workplace was toxic and discriminatory against Christians,” Salerno said, comparing his experience to being “in the lion’s den,” a reference to the bible story about Daniel.
Role elimination or targeted dismissal?
Shortly after confronting his manager about perceived bias, Salerno was informed his role as head of ATM strategy had been eliminated. He discovered, however, that the bank was actively seeking his replacement.
“They gave me three weeks to find another job, but I was effectively blackballed,” he said, describing how colleagues who once supported him stopped returning his calls.
Salerno sought legal recourse with the support of the Alliance Defending Freedom, ultimately settling with the bank. As part of the agreement, he cannot now disclose the institution’s name but resisted signing a gag order about his broader experience.
“You can’t take my testimony,” he stated.
Freedom of speech issues
Salerno rejects claims of hatred toward LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing that Christian teachings focus on love while adhering to biblical principles on morality.
"As Christians, we’re called to live set-apart lives, guided by faith and love," he explained.
Freedom of speech issues continue to provide ongoing challenges for HR leaders navigating the intersection of corporate diversity initiatives and employees’ religious freedoms, a tension that continues to reshape workplace dynamics.
