[Winona Online Democracy]
Regarding Craig Brooks's and others' posts on the "Button" and sexual harassment, I think there are some important distinctions:1) Is a high school student the same as an employee for these purposes? Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue (with which I have some managerial experience as well, unfortunately), but I can do things as an individual citizen on the street outside my workplace that I cannot and should not do inside my workplace. There is no question that an individual citizen can sport a "Vagina" button on the street in Winona or elsewhere. So - what atmosphere and/or environment is the model for a secondary school? Office or street corner? Or something in between?2) While we might debate the status of students in this model, certainly the employees of the high school are to be given protection from a "hostile" work environment - whether this hostility comes from the administration, other employees, students, or visitors to their work place. So, regardless of how we've answered issue #1 above, a serious question is - does the student's button create a hostile workplace environment for the employees? Are we concerned with how other students view the button, or the employees, or both?3) As far as offensive speech is concerned, it makes a huge difference if the button is championing the person's own body part - I [heart] My Vagina - vs. someone else's body part - I [heart] Your Vagina. The first one might or might not be offensive, the second one definitely is. Substitute a different button with a similar sentiment: "I love the way I look in this sweater" vs. "I love the way you look in that sweater". One is tacky and conceited, the other is mildly threatening. To me there's a clear difference.Phil Carlson, Mpls-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Craig Brooks
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 12:03 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Winona] Freedom of Speech And The ButtonRe: the sexual harrassment aspect of this issue (which I believe is at the core concerning the tough spot the school was in) --
I said I'd check out what would happen concerning protecting an offended employee from offensive words or actions from a client or other member of the public in our offices rather than just acting concerning the behavior of another employee. Here it is --
We can ask the customer/client to refrain from this behavior or leave. We do have a responsibility to safeguard our staff from this type of behavior. We cannot predict what may happen, however once we possess the knowledge we must address the issue. We may also do a follow-up letter to the individual confirming the future expectation of appropriate conduct while receiving services. Of course the letter would be written tactfully, however clearly stating the expectation.
Craig Brooks
<()?))>
Craig
[EMAIL PROTECTED]_______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
