Offensive Language at Meetings

Q & A Session – Offensive Language at Meetings

Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience.

Q:

My wife attends meetings on a regular basis. During these meetings she observes individuals, including managers, decision makers and the like, freely using offensive, suggestive or abusive language, occasionally directed at fellow attendees. Does my wife have recourse to prevent this practice?

A:

I don’t know if your wife is a federal employee. Assuming she is, she has three options. First, she can simply and informally complain to higher ups. Second, she can file a formal grievance. Third, if she believes the comments have a sexual tone or are offensive to her gender, she can start the Equal Employment Opportunity process.

Bill Bransford is managing partner of Shaw, Bransford & Roth, PC.

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