Hey guys! I'm looking to get some other perspectives before I say something.
I recently started a new job… during my training, my trainer took the time to “warn” me about a lady who is on maternity leave. He let me know to stay away from her, that she is a feminist, and that we don't need any of that around here (She hasn't been in the place for months, and not expected back anytime soon either)
I was shocked, and am more inclined to make an opinion about the woman, after I meet her.
About a week later, I heard a group talking about another coworker (a black man, really nice guy)
A lady we work with said that he makes her uncomfortable because “it looks like he has a loaf of garlic bread in his pants” A few of the guys in our group started making jokes about it, and saying things like they have a loaf of garlic bread in their pants, hard as a rock- things like that. It was very clear to me that they were talking about male genitalia, but instead of saying “penis” they were saying saying “loaf of garlic bread”
I said nothing, I'm new to the job, but I'm really disappointed myself.
I later learned that 2 of the guys in this group actually filed a complaint saying that the black man makes the lady uncomfortable. I overheard the white guy say he brought the biracial guy along so they can't say it is racially motivated.
I saw our manager bring the black man into her office, and he shared with me later that they discussed that he makes the lady uncomfortable. He denied any wrong doing, and the manager shared that it was the 2 men who brought forward the complaint. She came to the conclusion that perhaps they were targeting him because they thought he may be interested in applying for a new posting that opened up.
He was shocked, and said he will never speak to her again… but he is really hurt, and feels really uncomfortable working with that woman now. I didn't share what I heard with him, because I felt it would embarrass him. I really think he should know.
I have decided that this is not an organization that I wish to continue on with. I think if I bring my concerns forward and stay, I will be targeted next. I wish I could get in touch with the lady on maternity leave. This group (6 people) are VERY comfortable being total jerks to anyone. It is mentally exhausting to be in this environment, and already has taken a toll. I mean, here I am on a Saturday thinking about this 🤷️
Do you think I should tell HR what I observed, or the man who makes the lady uncomfortable, or just say nothing, run and never look back?