Legal Question in Business Law in Minnesota

Workplace ethics

I recently got a new job, and a majority of the employees, most in management, make multiple racist comments. Mainly directed at jewish and african-american people, no one seems to have any opposition to this. Also, the head manager at the store has referred to a female worker directly as ''whore-bag'' in my presence. Another manager in charge has pulled out an african-american employee's application for a different manager just to comment about how ''she cant even spell.'' This behavior is unacceptable, especially at work, and even more so coming from the top managers of the store. What should i do in this situation? Any help would be appreciated.


Asked on 1/29/07, 5:19 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Steven Vatndal Law Office of Steven J. Vatndal

Re: Workplace ethics

There may be direct civil measures you can take (more detail is needed), but I often assist clients in first working through the Minn. Dept. of Human Rights. Often that is the most efficient way to address these problems. Please e-mail me with any questions.

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Answered on 1/29/07, 6:27 am
John Jesperson Minnesota Lawyers - Jesperson Law Offices

Re: Workplace ethics

This can be a very serious problem that can affect many people in the company, as well as customers or clients -- whether directly through discriminatory hiring or other pratices, or perhaps merely by creating a hostile environment.

Whether or not your employment conditions are directly affected by this conduct, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and file a complaint. They will ordinarily thereafter conduct an investigation and can take remedial action. Before taking that action, however, I would encourage you to consult with an attorney, particularly if you believe your employment (or that of another employee) has been compromised by the conduct you have observed. I might encourage you to document some of this conduct (by saving letters, memos, etc.) before contacting human rights.

You may feel free to contact my office if you have further questions or concerns about this matter, or if you are concerned your employment is in jeopardy or will be affected by the conduct you have observed. My contact information is below.

Thank you for your important question, and good luck.

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Answered on 1/29/07, 11:21 am


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