Racist 'Joke' by colleague

[ChanedForThisPost]

I’ve NC’d for this, just in case…

I work in a public sector organisation. Since the start of covid, we have all been working from home so our ‘Head of’ set up a WhatsApp group for the team. We can’t talk about work specifics but we chat about work things in general terms occasionally, however, mainly it’s for team chat, personal stuff, happy birthdays, etc.

Today one of the women in our team posted an inappropriate joke, it was racist, although some people may not see it as such. What I mean is I’m sure she didn’t mean any harm by it. I didn’t find it funny and messaged her privately to ask her to remove it before anyone else saw it.

I think our ‘Head of’ and some junior colleagues saw it but I’m not sure. She has now deleted the post and left the group - I’m not sure whether it’s due to embarrassment or outrage.

She reports to me and I know she’s going through some problems so I don’t want to add to her burden, however, she’s an adult and should have known better.

I’ll have to discuss this with her on Monday and I’m not sure how to go about it. Generally, when I’m facing something new, I’d ask our senior manager for advice but, if I do on this occasion , I’d have to tell her and I’m not sure if she saw it. If she did, I think she will take it further but I’m not sure what that might look like.

Does anyone have any advice?

Perhaps you could suggest she goes on an emotional intelligence and diversity training?

Hmm, after your first post I'd have said message her to say thanks for removing it, don't worry, we'll have a chat on Monday. However, I have seen that clip and it is shockingly racist. I don't know how anyone could think it wasn't.

However, as it wasn't done at work or through work channels, I still think offering "advice" rather than anything more formal, is the right course of action.

A WhatsApp group set up by a HoD is a work channel. Also, as a line manager dealing with such an issue I'd never tell someone "don't worry" as it minimises what they've done. I've been in too many disciplinaries where the staff member tries to excuse their behaviour with "well Orange told me not to worry about it".

Speak to your line manager and ask HR to sit in on the meeting (virtually if appropriate). What might be an appropriate sanction depends on length of service, any other issues, her response.

• ask HR to sit in on the meeting with the staff member, not the line manager!

@Graphista then you're easily shocked. It's not like the OP said something derogatory, dropped the N / P bomb or personally attacked someone. It's just a lame, unfunny and inappropriate joke. It shouldn't cost someone their livelihood - she probably has a family.

TBH the fact that most of the team are White makes it worse to me! I havent seen the video ,but it sounds horrible to me .India is facing a truly dreadful crisis ATM, and I fail to see any humour there .I would report it on Monday .Unless this woman lives in Outer Space she would have known it was unpleasant ,also you are saying she has other rather questionable behaviour as well!

PPs are referring to a video they have seen. This wasn't a video it was a sound recording, as described upthread.

I'm not minimising; just clarifying

I think you are clearly not aware of how seriously these things are taken legally and by tribunals roarfeckingroarr irrespective of your opinion, it’s not just a joke

No wonder training has to delivered in the workplace to teach people the basics on how not to be racist 🙄

We had someone post the same clip in our work group chat. I think she is Indian/ Asian herself though so I think that’s why no one took offence. I was a bit surprised by it and would never share something like that .

@ChanedForThisPost please just follow the proper procedure. It is clear you are trying to minimise this as you where asking if you could just deal with it within your team and not go through the proper channels. You realise you could be disciplined too if you decided to try and help her cover it up.

[quote cinammonbuns]@ChanedForThisPost please just follow the proper procedure. It is clear you are trying to minimise this as you where asking if you could just deal with it within your team and not go through the proper channels. You realise you could be disciplined too if you decided to try and help her cover it up.[/quote]
If you read the full thread you'll see that, after sleeping on it, that's exactly what I said I would do

To those commenting on my inappropriate behaviour in this circumstance, please read the full thread.

I recognise that I considered what would happen if this was minimised; not because I believe it is minimal, but because, without having had time to digest this, I was fully aware of the impact of disciplinary procedures in this woman's life. However, you'll also note that, throughout, I have said she is a grown woman after all and should face action.

I'm happy this happened over the weekend as it has allowed me to gather my thoughts and take others' opinions and guidance and I have said a number of times that I will deal with this appropriately.

I have never had any thoughts of brushing this under the carpet. I didn't suggest that because it was a white group it was fine - I asked if that would possibly have an effect on the disciplinary procedure. The consensus is that it won't and I agree it shouldn't.

All I'm doing is gathering as much info as possible to allow me to deal with this in the best way. Initially I was worried about involving our head of dept. Now I know that I will and I know she will take it out of my hands if I don't act appropriately.

Thanks for all comments but give me a break. I'm doing (and will continue to do) my best