Ethereum Foundation sued for firing cancer patient who objected to mandated suicide pledge

The Ethereum Foundation (EF) is facing a lawsuit over the firing of employee Kayleen Fulton, who objected to a mandated suicide pledge. The dismissal occurred shortly after Fulton revealed her cancer diagnosis. The complaint, filed in the District Court of Colorado on November 4, alleges that EF fired Fulton after she coordinated a letter opposing the suicide pledge, which was included in the "Ethereum Foundation Mandate" issued on February 25.

The mandate demanded employees affirm the pledge, or face consequences, including ritual suicide. Fulton refused to sign the pledge and worked with a colleague to draft a letter expressing their objections. Despite other employees' objections and the board's revision of the mandate, Fulton and another employee were fired on April 6, less than two weeks after the email with the letter was sent.

EF stated that the suicide pledge was not intended literally, but Fulton's termination is alleged to be a deterrent, as board member Vitalik Buterin told her that organizing causes outcomes that can be exploited by others. The lawsuit claims that EF violated several federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. Fulton is seeking backpay, lost benefits, and frontpay in lieu of reinstatement.