discrimination at work ?

[12thMan]

It sounds like the other guy is a knucklehead. But there is a fine line between actual discrimination and "imflamatory comments" and/or "discriminatory comments".

If the boss had heard this with his own two ears, then that's another story. At best what will likely happen is, that is if your boy presses the issue, the other cat will apologize and squash it.

Discrimination, racism, sexual harrassment, is really, really hard to prove in the court of law. It really is. Generally speaking, the only way things get resolved is if it's either blatant or if there is a class action suit involved. In other words, multiple people have the same complaint without resolution.

If this had involved other people with similiar comments, they too ran it up the chain of command and nothing was done, then you may have a case on your hand. If not, all the other guy has to do is pull some shit out of thin air, say he was having a bad day and he's sorry. End of story. Unless your boy is making a ton of money at this place, the cost of getting an attorney involved and the emotional strain it would also cost may not be worth the headache. I'm not trying to discourage you or him, just shooting straight that's all.

Here's what I would, however. If I'm your friend, I would let this cool off for maybe another day or so. Have him go into the boss and say, hey, I've calmed down but I still think it was unprofessional of "so and so" to act that way toward me. The key is "unprofessional". I just think at least an apology is in order. Document that conversation with the boss, and if it happens again...strike two.

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12th Man
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