Dealing With Hostility From Christian Co-Workers

[rug]

April 21, 2015
Jack Vance at 5:26 AM

An atheist recently asked for advice on Twitter about a difficult situation she encountered at work. She indicated that a Christian co-worker had found out that she was an atheist and had started spreading vicious rumors about her. She wanted to know what she could do in this situation. I'll admit that the first thing that went through my head was, "We'll let you know as soon as we figure out what to do about PZ Myers." I'm kidding! That wouldn't have been particularly helpful.

Instead, I suggested that she start documenting what the co-worker was saying and doing in case she needed to support a formal complaint through human resources at some point. These complaints often end up being more successful when the complainant can provide evidence of a pattern of behavior interfering with their ability to do their job, creating a hostile workplace, and the like. Even though documenting incidents is a pain in the ass, I have found that it is far better to have the documentation and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Finding oneself in a situation like this (i.e., a Christian co-worker decides that one's atheism warrants mistreatment) is not a pleasant experience. I suspect it is not an altogether uncommon experience either. With that in mind, I thought I'd use this post to share some thoughts about what I might do in such a situation and invite readers to chime in with their thoughts.

The first thing I'd probably do in such a situation is assess the nature of my workplace. I'd start by asking myself whether there are likely to be supportive others in my workplace. Do I have co-workers who know I am an atheist and are okay with it, or is one Christian co-worker likely to be able to poison many others against me? I'd also consider my boss. Is this someone I can go to about this issue, or would that be ill advised?. I'd also make sure I knew how to access the human resources department or the person tasked with this responsibility. This sort of assessment would not necessarily determine how I would proceed, but it would likely influence it.

http://www.atheistrev.com/2015/04/dealing-with-hostility-from-christian.html

[chervilant]

1. Spreading "vicious rumors"

creates a hostile work environment. I suspect this person's other coworkers will participate in the cruel gossip because bigotry against atheists is often perceived as confirmation of one's xtian beliefs. IOIYAC?

[cbayer]

2. Good solid advice for anyone who might be facing discrimination or harassment

in the workplace.

[rug]

3. Or anywhere.

[Leontius]

4. How did she find out about these rumors?

That to me is a key detail that needs to be clarified. If she found out by being told by a co-worker then that is a resource that is quite valuable it means that she does have a friend there. Before deciding on what action will prove to be successful you have to know the climate of the workplace. It could be worse than she thinks but it may not, so some way of finding out how receptive the other employees are to the rumors is necessary. The one thing to realize is that management including HR is not really your advocate, they are only the companies advocate what's best for her is not really their concern.

[AtheistCrusader]

5. I find putting a fish inside someone's cubicle wall is more effective.

But, I'm an engineer, so I solve problems.

[Mariana]

6. But what about the poor sod in the adjoining cubicle?

Better to hide a fish in the guilty party's car.

[AtheistCrusader]

7. Good point. I'd probably put it in the wall facing a hallway or windows.

Pressure from the neighbors is actually a useful form of leverage.

'You need to stop pissing someone off.'

[beam me up scottie]

8. You could use some sort of warning decal...

[Mariana]

9. I like that. nt.

[rug]

10. What kind?

My son is in a 3 - 2 engineering program right now.