You may have been subjected to inappropriate jokes at work. Maybe someone made a comment about how they are surprised that you are advancing up the corporate ladder because of your race. Or perhaps they made a comment about your alleged sexual orientation. There are many examples of inappropriate remarks that employees may hear from coworkers or even supervisors.
What often happens is that, if you tell the person the comment was inappropriate, they may claim that the whole thing was “just a joke.” They may even try to blame you for being offended. They might say that you are taking things too seriously, that you do not have a sense of humor or that they did nothing wrong.
Filing a harassment claim
Even if someone uses this excuse, there are still reasons why you may be able to file a harassment claim. First and foremost, even if the person genuinely intended the comment as a joke, it can still contribute to a hostile work environment. You do not have to tolerate offensive comments or repeated inappropriate remarks in the workplace.
On top of that, it may become clear that the claim that “it was just a joke” is simply an excuse. This is especially true if there is a pattern of behavior. If the individual frequently harasses you or acts in a discriminatory manner, these comments may simply be another example of ongoing misconduct.
Employees do not deserve to be harassed on the job or subjected to a hostile work environment. If you are experiencing this type of treatment, it is important to understand exactly what legal steps may be available to protect your rights.