HR’s strange side: Promoting diversity — the don’ts from Delaware
May 13, 2009 by Jim GiulianoPosted in: Behavior, Communication, Handbooks, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views
When one of our readers submits a good idea, such as a useful form or document, others often ask for copies. You are not going to ask for copies of the newsletter Delaware used to try to promote diversity.
The state’s Department of Transportation circulated the newsletter to its 2,600 employee in an effort to explain what’s acceptable conversation with others. That was the first mistake. No, wait. The first mistake was including such info as informing workers that they should never:
- ask a black co-worker, “Should we order the fried chicken or watermelon for you?”
- attempt to buddy-up with an Hispanic employee by inquiring, “Can you help me out with my landscaping?”
- help an elderly worker’s career advancement by noting, “You know Wal-Mart is hiring.”
There’s more of the same — and worse – but you’re not going to see it repeated here.
The agency apologized for the content of the newsletter after at least one employee told reporters, “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever read,” and minority-rights groups marveled at the sheer wifty-ness of the advice.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:24 am
This is the most ridiculous letter I have ever read. It may have been funny on a sit-com, but for someone to think it is acceptable in the real world is unfathomable.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
This would fit under SNL’s “Really?” sketch. Unbelievable.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Despicable!!! That wouldn’t be funny on SNL or The Office or any other sitcom. Whoever brought up the idea, the employee who approved it to print and the employee who printed it whould be harshly disciplined!
May 18th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
How do you discipline “stupid”? Maybe some diversity training would be in order…and it should not be “in-house” training.
May 18th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
At least they got the “You should never” part right.
May 18th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
We have shown two harassment prevention training DVD’s in our workplace: “Sexual Harassment: Serious Business” and “From Sex to Religion . . and everything in between.” These cover scenarios like those described in the Delaware newsletter – full of what should be obvious blunders – stereotypical cliches. I thought they were an exaggeration – but apparently not. Just makes you shake your head.