Question about racial slurs in the workplace
My question involves other employees' use of racial slurs in the work place. I work at a widely known bank who, I'm sure has policies against this type of behaviour.
Yesterday, employee A, says something in reference to a white man, referring to him as a "honky". She then saw me sitting there and said not to take offense.
Today, employee B says to the employee in front of me:
"Is God in charge or do you think its the white man?"
A response of god was then answered.
Employee B says to her, "If you're black, get back, but if your white, you're alright".
I was wondering if there is anything legally that I can do in response, because this seems as if it is becoming a regular occurence in this company.
Answers (1)
I too am sure that the bank has an anti-harassment policy. Get a copy. It will, among other things, provide a mechanism for making confidential complaints.
You are entitled to complain about conduct covered by the policy, especially if it makes you uncomfortable or, worse yet, interferes with your job. The bank should investigate your complaint and take appropriate, remedial action to prevent employees from making racially offensive comments.
Complaining about your co-workers will probably change their behavior, but it may also carry the price of resentment. Consider as an alternative approach speaking with the co-worker confidentially and explaining that their comments offend you. You can send the same, but even more powerful message, by writing a letter to the co-worker and carbon copying "File." The message: keep it up and a copy of this letter will be attached to my complaint to the bank. This usually works quite well and is proven effective in most harassment cases, including sexual harassment.
Finally, consider turning something bad into something good by opening up a dialogue with this co-worker, if you think the two of you are up to it. She will probably be surprised to learn that you see her as behaving like a bigot, but that is the first step in stopping bigotted behavior.
Best regards,
Neil.
posted by Neil Klingshirn | Apr 17, 2003 09:52 AM [EST]
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