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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Racism allegation at work

260 replies

Ticklemelmo · 28/08/2020 10:39

Without outing I know someone that made a genuine mistake at the beginning of the year by putting something unintentionally racist in a work social media group, someone of colour in the group said it wasn't appropriate, and the person I know apologised directly straight away because they didn't realise.
Months later and a week into the BLM coming out they've come back and accused that person and several others of racism in the work place.

I can't speak for the others impacted by the racist allegations, but this person is now going through a disciplinary with a potential of dismissal?

Aibu to think that this is completely unfair? Anyone work in HR who has dealt with this and can give some expection of outcome.

OP posts:
AnEleanor · 28/08/2020 11:49

If several people have been reported by this person then there obviously is more to it than you are privy to.

Gazelda · 28/08/2020 11:50

If the accuser went to their line manager and said that they felt the workplace had a culture of racism, surely you understand that the manager would want to know examples? Which would then have to be investigated. If a wrongdoing was uncovered, it would have to be dealt with via disciplinary process and the outcomes proportionate.

I can't see how you can argue that any of that is unfair?
And yes, I picked up that you commented on the lack of acknowledgment of the apology. What did you expect?

CoronaBollox · 28/08/2020 11:51

You're insinuating they only raised the issue because of BLM. Which tells me all I need to know about your thoughts on this. If you and your colleague come across in work how you come across on here, then I am not surprised issues have been raised.

popcornlover · 28/08/2020 11:51

I would just get used to it. This is life from now on. Every white person can expect to be accused of racism.

WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 28/08/2020 11:52

I think I know the video you're referring to....... As in it sounds very similar to one I've seen on Facebook.

Funny thing, sketch ends then there's a pause and racist comment which weren't relatable to the video at all at the end. I can see how that mistake could be made tbh.

I think we're all guilty of scrolling and sharing things after only half watching them.

Original poster
Ticklemelmo · 28/08/2020 11:53

I've said what I need to say, there is no more evidence to provide.

Also regarding my BLM comment, I gave that as a timeline and a possible motivation to raise the issue. It's possible yes they came out after the movement.

I'm once again not saying they weren't allowed to report it, I'm saying for it to go to disciplinary which was could result in dismissal.

Also those disagreeing aren't actually giving any ideas on to what you think should be the punishment 🤦

OP posts:
PatriciaPerch · 28/08/2020 11:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Ticklemelmo · 28/08/2020 11:55

@WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo

I think I know the video you're referring to....... As in it sounds very similar to one I've seen on Facebook.

Funny thing, sketch ends then there's a pause and racist comment which weren't relatable to the video at all at the end. I can see how that mistake could be made tbh.

I think we're all guilty of scrolling and sharing things after only half watching them.

The lockdown one? I've not actually seen it because they deleted the video straight after realising but yes that's I think that's the one. It was a genuine mistake.
OP posts:
Sanjii · 28/08/2020 11:56

Also those disagreeing aren't actually giving any ideas on to what you think should be the punishment

we are not the HR department. we don't have the details (other than your probably biased narrative) and dont have access to the employee files Why should anyone here tell you what the outcome should be. How would that be even possible???

You clearly came here looking for reassurance and didn't get it and now you are throwing your toys out of the pram.

C130 · 28/08/2020 11:56

No Popcornlover. What you say is rubbish, but if people are racist, use racist language, post racist vids, than yes I hope it will be called out from now on. There should be zero tolerance for racism. Is that a problem for you?

Original poster
Ticklemelmo · 28/08/2020 11:58

@PatriciaPerch

If it's the first time it has happened they will receive a verbal warning and offered diversity training and have to go through all their code of conduct stuff again and whatever training the company offer. I really don't think it is a big deal to have to do this. Whatever you think or feel about the people involved shouldn't come into it.
Thanks, at least a constructive response . That's my thought too. But I'm in not in HR and I don't know if companies are being tougher with the BLM movement coming out.
OP posts:
C130 · 28/08/2020 11:58

OP what do you think the punishment should be?

WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 28/08/2020 11:59

Tickle it sounds very similar. I only saw it on my newsfeed and can't remember where from but if they can get hold of it to show it could go in their defence.

CoronaBollox · 28/08/2020 11:59

When a young relative started her job there was very clearly sexism going on and a creepy boss. Yet she didn't say anything and took it as either banter, misunderstanding or ignored the behaviour. After learning about sexual harassment in the workplace, getting the confidence to stand up for herself she reported her boss and turns out other females had the same complaint. This was probably 4 months after the very first incident. Sometimes people need a push to realise what is going on, or that very moment you get of "I've had enough of this shit" would you tell her that she was only raising it because of X,Y or Z?

My point is your timeframe reference is irrelevant and you have only included it to try and downplay why they have reported it.

Original poster
Ticklemelmo · 28/08/2020 12:00

@Sanjii

Also those disagreeing aren't actually giving any ideas on to what you think should be the punishment

we are not the HR department. we don't have the details (other than your probably biased narrative) and dont have access to the employee files Why should anyone here tell you what the outcome should be. How would that be even possible???

You clearly came here looking for reassurance and didn't get it and now you are throwing your toys out of the pram.

Not true at all. But I've not had many responses giving ideas on what the outcomes could be. Only just that I'm being unreasonable.
OP posts:
GingerScallop · 28/08/2020 12:01

Well next time they will want to check whole videos before sending them to others.
You haven't been privy to all their interactions so you don't know the whole story or the person of colour's experience. You u have no idea what many of us go through before we even get the courage or space to speak up. Let the process go through its course. In the meantime perhaps teach yourself more about racism. It's much more nuanced than you a few well known slogans or epitets

Sanjii · 28/08/2020 12:01

OP what do you think the punishment should be?

the OP thinks there should have never been an investigation as it was posted by accident and the accused apologised to the accused. In her view, the process is unfair and she clearly thinks brushing the whole thing under the carpet would have been the best way.

Original poster
Ticklemelmo · 28/08/2020 12:03

@CoronaBollox

When a young relative started her job there was very clearly sexism going on and a creepy boss. Yet she didn't say anything and took it as either banter, misunderstanding or ignored the behaviour. After learning about sexual harassment in the workplace, getting the confidence to stand up for herself she reported her boss and turns out other females had the same complaint. This was probably 4 months after the very first incident. Sometimes people need a push to realise what is going on, or that very moment you get of "I've had enough of this shit" would you tell her that she was only raising it because of X,Y or Z?

My point is your timeframe reference is irrelevant and you have only included it to try and downplay why they have reported it.

It may not be relevant but it's an observation, only because it might be what made the accuser to speak out.

Also my thought is whether companies are being tougher with their disciplinaries because of it, because it's so raw and they won't want to get in trouble..

OP posts:
Sanjii · 28/08/2020 12:03

But I've not had many responses giving ideas on what the outcomes could be.

because noone here knows!

There may be found 'innocent', or get some sort of warning and training or will be dismissed.🤷

Original poster
Ticklemelmo · 28/08/2020 12:06

@C130

OP what do you think the punishment should be?
Those saying I didn't think there should be an investigation are talking rubbish and clearly haven't read my previous responses. 🙄

As I've said previously, i think educational workshops should be done on both diversity and on social media use, and then a block on recieving the yearly bonus.

OP posts:
C130 · 28/08/2020 12:06

OP tell us what you think should happen here.

C130 · 28/08/2020 12:07

OP Sorry I have just seen your reply.

Stripesgalore · 28/08/2020 12:07

I definitely do not think the person who posted the video should speak to the person who reported them. That’s just digging themselves into a bigger hole.

Ponoka7 · 28/08/2020 12:08

The BLM has stirred things up so companies finally take a zero tolerance stance, just like campaigns have highlighted sexual harassment/discrimination at work. It's just going to be how it should have always been. Your reaction reminds me of the fear response after the #metoo movement. It's really simple, you just learn about the subject matter and act like a decent person.

@popcornlover, a racist video was shared on a work account. It was a racist act, unintentionally or intentionally and shouldn't be ignored. If you don't act in a racist way, you won't be accused to the point of disciplinary. It's really simple.

I don't think that the, person should lose their job, if it was a genuine accident. But they need reminding of the firms SM policy and a bit of education around the subject matter.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 28/08/2020 12:10

@popcornlover

I would just get used to it. This is life from now on. Every white person can expect to be accused of racism.
What a load of self pitying bollocks. Next you will be saying us white people are an oppressed minority.

Until I married someone from an ethnic minority I didn’t have a clue about insidious racism. As a white person we cannot fully comprehend the lived reality for BAME people. The least we can do is bloody believe them when they say something is offensive.