my intern is refusing assignments because of her politics

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager .
A reader writes:
I run a large museum, and we are currently running a major special exhibition. We’ve been asked to give a private tour of this exhibition to a prominent and controversial political figure.
I have a summer intern and have offered to let her come along as an observer. This kind of inclusion would usually be considered a major perk for an intern. But she is adamantly refusing, citing this person’s political views and threatening to physically attack him if she is “forced” to be in his presence. She is also refusing to do any of the logistical or planning tasks that would normally fall to her, and that’s a problem as well.
I completely and totally agree with her opinion of this politician’s views and behavior. I’m active in social justice work and have literally protested outside his office in the past. But my perspective is that my personal views aren’t relevant in these circumstances, and a significant part of my job is representing my museum with dignity, even when I really don’t want to. I will never agree with this politician but at the very least, this is a good opportunity for us to showcase to him the value of well-funded cultural institutions.
I’ve told my intern she can sit this one out, but I feel like we need to have a conversation about this when the dust settles. I am very torn, though. I don’t want to force anyone to do something they don’t believe in, but I worry she will be shooting herself in the foot if this is her stance in the long term. What advice would you give me?
I answer this question over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here .
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