My mom had two kids to provide for on her own after her husband took off. She worked at Burger King on South Federal highway as a crew worker, making only about $4.25 per hour, working eight hours a day, five days a week. Her paycheck, received bi-weekly, was meant to support our monthly rent of $300, leaving her with an estimated $48 to cover food and the needs of her two children, ages 5 and 2.

Our situation became more dire when I was raped. In that moment, my mom had to face an unimaginable choice between my well-being and her job. Despite making the right decision to prioritize my safety and take me to the police, her employer fired her without cause. This unfair treatment left us even more vulnerable, marking a moment of injustice that still resonates with us today.

No parent should have to choose between their child's welfare and their job. Employers shouldn't have the power to force such a choice or punish parents for doing what's right for their children. Unfortunately, similar situations continue to happen in today's society, reflecting a systemic issue that needs urgent change.

We need legislation that protects working parents, especially mothers, from being terminated when they are forced to prioritize their children's safety and well-being. A new law could prevent employers and companies from unjustly firing individuals under these circumstances, ensuring no one else experiences what my mother did.

Please sign this petition to support the creation of legislation that safeguards parental rights in the workplace and prevents unfair terminations. Together, we can work towards a society that values family integrity and provides adequate protections for all working parents.