The "facts" provided do not allow us to give a cogent answer. If it's a news story why not provide a link? Otherwise we're just pretty much blowing wind.
Is it unfortunate? Yes
Is it wrong? Who knows
Is it illegal? Doubtful
A code of ethics denotes a specific pattern of behavior that an employee must uphold. I see nothing in the OP that suggests the employer was "meddling" in the employee's personal life. He was free to do whatever he did. But behavior has consequences.
The Constitution was written to protect the individual from government, not to protect employees from employers.
