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.
