August 13, 2020

Re: Buzzfeed article
Ms. Reinstein:
Thank you very much for allowing us to respond to your potential Buzzfeed article.
It is perhaps best to outline our policies with respect to the COVID-19 mask issues and outline
our employment practices with respect to religion, political speech, etc.
COVID 19 and Mask Orders
We disagree with the media hysteria that precipitated the closure of the economy for COVID 19.
We also believe that the orders of the Texas county judges and Texas Governor are
unconstitutional and we are and have been a plaintiff in cases against the orders. Shutting down
the economy has done more harm than the virus has and was a mistake of the elected officials
responding to the left wing media hysteria designed to discredit President Trump.
It is important that companies take a stand against what they feel is the overreach of the
government and we need to set an example for other businesses in the fight against such
overreach. Our discouragement of masks in the office is in support of the understanding that
masks are ineffective in controlling the virus, and that social distancing, hand washing and
cleaning and disinfecting surfaces are the most effective ways to control the virus at this time.
The slanderous assertion that Mr. Hartman would put employees at risk is false. He has never
tested positive for COVID 19, come to the office with a fever, nor has he ever knowingly put
employees at risk.
We have attached a clarification of our mask policy that is being distributed to all employees.
With respect to employment practices, the short answer is Hartman does not discriminate on the
basis of religion or any other protected class. While it is true we consider ourselves a Christian
company, we don’t take any action (adverse or otherwise) against any applicant or employee for
their religious views. We believe a healthy debate serves to deepen the faith of those that
participate and making resources available on a voluntary basis is not only permitted, but
encouraged by our faith. Participation in any of our religious programs and discussions are
always entirely voluntary. We apologize if any person has felt uncomfortable in their position
here at Hartman.
With respect to political speech, it is the right (and some would say the obligation) to express
political points of view. As I am sure you are aware, there is no protected ‘class’ for political
views. It is protected speech and like any other citizen of the country, we are free to express
political views, even within an employment context.

2909 Hillcroft Suite 420, Houston TX 77057 main telephone number: 713-467-2222

 In short, we do not discriminate against anyone based on their religion, race, creed, sex, national
origin or any other protected class and are compliant with the anti-discrimination laws of the USA
and the State of Texas.
Attached is further information on our policies as provided to each and every employee in our
employee handbook.

2909 Hillcroft Suite 420, Houston TX 77057 main telephone number: 713-467-2222