Rowan worked for TSC. She believed that her manager, Snider, and other employees were embezzling money from TSC. When Rowan expressed her concern to Snider, he twisted her arm and pushed her. Rowan reported the matter to Snider's supervisor, Carter, who told her to "keep her mouth shut." Rowan sued Snider for assault and was awarded $1,500 in damages. She also reported the assault to the police and charges were filed against Snider. A TSC manager told Rowan to drop the criminal charges.
She refused and was fired. Snider was convicted of criminal assault and battery. Rowan sued TSC for wrongful termination in violation of public policy. The federal district court certified a question to the Virginia Supreme Court, asking if the public policy exception to the employment-at-will doctrine applied in this case. Do you think it does? [Rowan v. Tractor Supply 559 S.E.2d 709, Sup. Ct., Va. (2002)]