LIBERTY, Ohio - A Youngstown man said he was fired from a local Taco Bell after refusing to take off his "Black Lives Matter" face mask.

On Monday evening, 29-year-old Denzel Skinner took to Facebook Live to explain that he was asked "to leave" and "not come back" by a manager for wearing the mask to work. The exchange took place at the Taco Bell location on Belmont Avenue in Liberty. 

"All because I got a Black Lives Matter mask on; I get fired," said Skinner in his Facebook Live video.

The 2010 Chaney High School graduate said he has been working at that Taco Bell location for eight years.

We asked Skinner, who was the night-time shift manager, if he or anyone at the restaurant received a dress code that provided guidelines for face masks.

He said masks became a requirement for employees to wear on May 4, and the notice did not address if the masks could or could not have words on it. 

"It didn't have any fine print on it. It just said we have to wear a mask."

Skinner sent 21 News a copy of the announcement that made masks mandatory for employees.
 
It stated, "Masks are required not only by the states but by Taco Bell and KFC. They must be worn properly at all times. We have been receiving multiple guest complaints about employees wearing masks under their chins or not over their nose. Team, I know it's hot and uncomfortable but unfortunately, this is what has to be done. Not wearing your mask correctly is grounds for termination. Businesses are under a microscope right now, and we must follow the rules... masks/gloves/food safety!!!"

Another previous announcement was sent out detailing how to properly wear face masks to keep from spreading germs.

Skinner said removing his mask went against his beliefs.

"If the governor and governments are requiring us to wear masks, we should be able to wear any type of mask that you want. And not only that, I still want everyone to believe that we still need justice for what is happening in this world and people need to be held accountable for whatever mistakes that they make. Black lives are going to always matter. Not just when some people want it to matter. It will always matter."

21 News reached out to Taco Bell corporate, and they said they were "disappointed to learn about the incident."
 
"We are working with our franchisee that operates this location to understand what happened. We are committed to fighting racial injustice and are hosting open forums to give restaurant teams an opportunity to discuss racism in America. Our priority is to be an inclusive brand while keeping our team members and customers safe.” 
 
Taco Bell corporate added that they introduced masks in the restaurants in April for the safety of team members and guests. Due to supply restrictions, they have allowed team members to bring in their own alternative facial coverings. As this is a fluid situation, they say they're in the process of considering the need to revise mask and uniform requirements to address recent concerns. 

We have confirmed that there will be a rally on Friday at 5 p.m. in the parking lot of O'Reilly Auto Parts on Belmont Avenue following this incident.