New co-worker is an anti-Catholic bigot

[rpp]

Recently at work, we had a bit of a reorganization. Today, one of my new coworkers stated the popular lie that Pope Benedict was a willing Nazi.

My initial reaction was to be stunned as this came out of nowhere and was a spontaneous utterance on his part.

I am very angry and feel that I can no longer work with this bigot. I am not sure what to do.

Suggestions and ideas are welcome. However, I feel I need to take action tomorrow.

 

[Belgarion]

Recently at work, we had a bit of a reorganization. Today, one of my new coworkers stated the popular lie that Pope Benedict was a willing Nazi.

My initial reaction was to be stunned as this came out of nowhere and was a spontaneous utterance on his part.

I am very angry and feel that I can no longer work with this bigot. I am not sure what to do.

Suggestions and ideas are welcome. However, I feel I need to take action tomorrow.

This is Oregon…Are you surprised?



If I were you, I’d tap him on the shoulder and punch him in the face when he turns around. However, since I’m NOT you, I’d recommend that you take this to a higher-up (If you can). This is something that can get a company or business in trouble if they don’t put a stop to that stuff. And if you don’t strike fast and hard, it will continue.
My mom OWNS her own business and had some very anti-catholic workers (Even another doctor…whew…LOOOONG story there) and she put up with it until work became a nightmare for her. Thank the Lord she finally fired the lady.

 

[Sherriesalinas]

I would have an open discussion with him stating you were offended and that you and he are co-workers and it is important that respect in the work place is present. Our Dear Lord will guide you.

 

[rpp]

This is Oregon…Are you surprised?



If I were you, I’d tap him on the shoulder and punch him in the face when he turns around. However, since I’m NOT you, I’d recommend that you take this to a higher-up (If you can). This is something that can get a company or business in trouble if they don’t put a stop to that stuff. And if you don’t strike fast and hard, it will continue.
My mom OWNS her own business and had some very anti-catholic workers (Even another doctor…whew…LOOOONG story there) and she put up with it until work became a nightmare for her. Thank the Lord she finally fired the lady.

I am not surprised, but i thought a person would have a bit more sense than to to publicly express their bigotry.

I should add that this person asked specifically if I was a Catholic a couple of weeks ago. He knew he was talking to a Catholic.

So if I express my dissatisfaction with what he said, in front of our mutual supervisor telling him that I am filing a complaint with Human Resources is the right approach to take?

 

[KC91]

Just to p-ss off this c-nt, I sarcastically would answer ‘so what? what was wrong with that?’

 

[rpp]

Just to …

Go away. Your profane, uncharitable and anti-Catholic (name removed by moderator)ut is most certainly not desired.

(Your profoundly offensive and profane post has been reported to the moderators.)

 

[KC91]

I was juts suggesting a way to deal with a generally unpleasant co-worker, throwing it back into his face.

 

[Dempsey1919]

I would have a private discussion with this co-worker. Explain that you find his remarks concerning the Pope and the Catholic faith offensive. Ask him politely to refrain from saying anything negative about your religion. He may not like the Catholic faith, and he is welcome to his opinions. However, he should not be allowed to encourage religious intolerance in the workplace. He should keep his disrespectful opinions regarding religion to himself. If he continues to slander the Catholic faith after your discussion with him, I would report him to your boss.

 

[Canto]

I would just politely ask that he refrain from such speak.
If he says something again remind him it offends you and you had asked nicely before .
If it still continues than go to someone higher up?

Also point out that the Pope had no say in being a member of nazi youth
That you were forced to join
That he deserted to the Americans
And that Oscar Schindler (Schindler’s List) was a member of the nazi party

 

[kage_ar]

So if I express my dissatisfaction with what he said, in front of our mutual supervisor telling him that I am filing a complaint with Human Resources is the right approach to take?

This is exactly the correct thing to do. State "in the employee handbook it states that the workplace is to be free of discrimination based sex, race, religion or creed " etc. Know that handbook so you can quote it.

This co worker is creating a hostile work enviornment. Make certain you are above reproach.

 

[whatevergirl]

***Hi rpp;

I’m not sure I’d make the leap to bigotry. He could very well just be very ignorant of our Pope’s history, and the Church, in general. Why on earth did he say this out of the blue? Were you both discussing something remotely connected?

Try to give people the benefit of the doubt. People who don’t understand our faith make assumptions and accusations that really to us, make no sense and are very offensive. Get to know this person, and offer your thoughts…and I would definitely clarify that it is an offensive statement. I think that if it continues, I’d ask to move, or go to HR. Typically, HR likes people to make attempts*** to resolve their issues before they jump in.

 

[whatevergirl]

Oh, I just reread, and see that he ‘knew’ that you are Catholic. Again, I’d clarify your position, and explain that his thoughts are not welcome in the workplace, or around you. Hopefully, things will get better, because if he doesn’t take heed to your gentle warning…it will create a hostile work area for you–I agree with kage. (kage are you in HR? You are so good at this stuff!!)

 

[kage_ar]

Oh, I just reread, and see that he ‘knew’ that you are Catholic. Again, I’d clarify your position, and explain that his thoughts are not welcome in the workplace, or around you. Hopefully, things will get better, because if he doesn’t take heed to your gentle warning…it will create a hostile work area for you–I agree with kage. (kage are you in HR? You are so good at this stuff!!)

My company did not have on the ground HR in every office, so, they required the business mgrs to have 1 week of intense HR training each year. I had a FANTASTIC teacher.

 

[whatevergirl]

***Indeed you did, kage.

I don’t envy HR these days, with the layoffs, and bad news they have to dish out to ee’s because of the economy…the harassment things they have to deal with, the various personalities, and temperaments…tough job!***

 

[shannyk]

Recently at work, we had a bit of a reorganization. Today, one of my new coworkers stated the popular lie that Pope Benedict was a willing Nazi.

My initial reaction was to be stunned as this came out of nowhere and was a spontaneous utterance on his part.

I am very angry and feel that I can no longer work with this bigot. I am not sure what to do.

Suggestions and ideas are welcome. However, I feel I need to take action tomorrow.

I have no suggestions just sympathy. I heard these very kinds of comments and worse from my father and sister just yesterday. I won’t even go into what else they said but it was far worse and it was said in from of my kids. I’m busy pondering my next move as well. Good luck.

 

[msugeotech]

I think there’s good advice here. Talk to him first, and if that doesn’t solve it, then go to HR.

On a side note for Kage: Wasn’t sexual harassment broadened to be defined as “creating a hostile work environment”? Seems like that’s what an attorney told us at an ethics seminar a while back.

 

[Nanny_PK]

Can you maybe send him an e-mail? That allows you to think through your wording AND it leaves a paper trail. That cuts of any argument that he may have to HR that he didn’t know he was offending you. Just print out the e-mail that you’d sent him.

 

[msugeotech]

That’s a great idea. Just be careful in YOUR words, so that you don’t give him any ammo he might could use against you. I would think you wouldn’t want to use ALL CAPS.

Also, if you do that, you might want to add at the end: “I’d be happy to discuss with you in private if you wish.” Or something to that effect? At least leave the door open for further discussion.

Can you maybe send him an e-mail? That allows you to think through your wording AND it leaves a paper trail. That cuts of any argument that he may have to HR that he didn’t know he was offending you. Just print out the e-mail that you’d sent him.

 

[kage_ar]

I think there’s good advice here. Talk to him first, and if that doesn’t solve it, then go to HR.

On a side note for Kage: Wasn’t sexual harassment broadened to be defined as “creating a hostile work environment”? Seems like that’s what an attorney told us at an ethics seminar a while back.

Heck, a calendar with a cartoon could be considered a hostile work envorinment if it rubs someone the wrong way. Best to remain strictly business in the workplace these days.

 

[msugeotech]

Amen to that. I have my Catholic calendar hanging on the wall, but that’s about it. I figure it wouldn’t be in my best interest to hang a crucifix in my office, especially being the only Catholic in the building.