AN UPDATE: Regarding the thread this morning about the use of the word "Negro" at work [View all]
Original thread:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220724367
Appreciate the kind support of all here along with your recommendations and suggestions! Don’t have time to respond to each of you, was just kinda venting for some feedback. For a small bit of background, I work for a mid-sized company of 300-400 people in a couple buildings on our sort-of campus. My division doesn’t directly interact with everyone at the company, but I do conduct periodic presentations to large groups, which is probably how the complaining party recognized who I was.
Had my meeting with my supervisor (the vice-president of our department) and the head of Human Resources this afternoon. There will be no disciplinary action taken against me, however they’re going to hold onto the communications and notes from our meeting for maybe 4 to 6 weeks. The complainant was very angry about my use of the word Negro in any context, even when it was explained that it was a reference to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. She (the HR director Sara slipped and revealed the gender) told HR that they considered themselves to be “very” politically correct regarding any “offensive” language used in any setting much less an office, and would be perhaps consulting with the local ACLU, community activists, and or a lawyer. Note: The HR director Sara used the air quotes as emphasis when using as I indicated above.
I guess the reason that HR and my boss will be holding on temporarily is just to cover their butts in case this were to develop further legally. They really don’t think anything will come to fruition, and are completely on my side. My usage of the word Negro was absolutely proper in its context. Neither of my co-workers are a lawyer nor am I so this should be taken with slight caution, but in essence this silly issue will likely disappear unless there is any litigation.
They would not disclose who made the complaint, nor do I really need to know. Just wish I could explain the proper context of using the word Negro (The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum or the United Negro College Fund) perhaps others to educate them on proper usage. It certainly wasn’t a slur, because I would never ever do such a thing.
Sigh, hopefully this will pass. Such adventures and fun in the workplace.
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