Editor’s note: We want to thank Zeiss for taking the time to respond to our inquiry and using our platform to help set the record straight and tell their side of the story.
As always, we’re interested to hear what you, our readers, think in the comment section below.
GunsAmerica’s email to Zeiss USA GM Robert Pignatoro:
Dear Mr. Pignatoro,
It’s come to our attention that Zeiss USA has been accused of implementing anti-gun and anti-hunting policies with its pro staff. Numerous posts on social media and comments on 2A-related Internet forums discuss the changes in detail, one of which involves the censorship of media.
We understand that Zeiss is referring to this internally as the “SoMe” issue, and as such believe the matter should not be dismissed as gossip. We’re hoping that Zeiss can set the record straight.
From our vantage point, there is no doubt that the dissemination of certain images and material would be detrimental to the pro-2A and -hunting causes. Two easy examples come to mind, depictions of illegal behavior or media that is gratuitously violent or gory. So, standards should definitely be established.
However, the allegations online indicate that Zeiss’ new guidelines call for the censorship of photos depicting responsibly harvested game, the preparation of food from a successful hunt, licensed youth hunting in the field with firearms, the use of lawfully owned semiautomatic firearms, and firearms with distinctive features.
We’re also seeing comments that suggest Zeiss is using contrived language from anti-gun legislation in their communications with pro staff. For example, one such accusation suggests Zeiss instructed pro staff to not “promote” the following:
“Tactical, Semi-auto centerfire rifles, Military coloring/camo, Urban environment, High capacity magazines, Military-style attachments, No adjustable cheekpiece, No extended handgaurd [Handguard], Silhouette targets, Youth with guns, Trophies or dead animals, Hunting sensitive species.”
Finally, we’ve been told by a credible source that Zeiss will be terminating any employee not vaccinated by March 1, 2022. Many gun-rights advocates would argue that this mandate is in direct conflict with the pro-freedom ethos that undergirds our community.
We’re hoping that Zeiss can provide clarity on its alleged changes in policies with respect to pro staff and its supposed vaccine mandate. Our deadline to publish this story is Thursday, Feb. 17, 1:30 p.m. EST. A response before that deadline would be greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,
True Pearce
Managing Editor
Zeiss’s Official Response:
In response to the inquiry regarding our support in the industry and vaccination mandate:
With more than 115 years of history in designing and leading optical product innovation for hunting and shooting, ZEISS has a long-standing position in this industry. It is part of the heritage of our Company. We remain fully dedicated to our continued support of Hunting and Shooting sports.
ZEISS actively promotes the culture and passion of responsible hunting. We have always respected and supported ethical hunting, game management, and wildlife conservation, and we will continue to do so.
As with any responsible global brand, we have internal guidelines of how we as a company communicate with our customers and consumers in all fields of business. This concept is clearly defined, unambiguous, and has remained unchanged in place for many years.
The post and comments on social media addressing our internal, confidential Social Media content approach, pertain only to ZEISS employees and representatives. No aspect of our guidelines for our employees or contractors pertain to personal accounts, or your customers’ personal social media accounts or pages. Our internal brand guidelines in no way impede or restrict anyone – or any organization’s ability, to post or share any content – whatsoever. We fully respect individual freedom in this space.
Regarding your second topic concerning the safety of our employees and customers, ZEISS decision to implement a vaccination mandate was originally driven by the obligation as a Federal Contractor. While we respect the rights of our employees around the world to make informed health care decisions, ZEISS is also a company that has supported medical science consistently over its 175 year history. Our diverse Business Units continue to support the medical, optical and research communities, including involvement in the creation of the Salk Polio vaccine. ZEISS firmly believes that the safety of our personnel, customers, and our community is best served by being vaccinated against COVID-19.