Pettyjohn v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review

**What Happened** A Swarthmore College employee was fired for using the internet for personal purposes during work hours after being told about the college's internet policy. When the employee applied for unemployment benefits, the state denied the claim. The employee challenged this decision, arguing they should receive benefits. **What the Court Decided** The Pennsylvania court sided with the unemployment board and upheld the denial of benefits. The court found that the employee had committed "willful misconduct" by deliberately violating the employer's internet usage policy after receiving clear instructions about it. Because the firing was for misconduct rather than through no fault of the employee, unemployment benefits were properly denied. **Why This Matters for Workers** This case shows that violating clear workplace policies can cost you both your job and your unemployment benefits. When employers give specific instructions about internet use or other workplace rules, ignoring them can be considered willful misconduct. Workers should take company policies seriously, especially after receiving direct guidance, because violations could leave them without income support if they're terminated. Understanding and following workplace internet policies is crucial for job security.