Does this count as harassment or work discrimination?

[Anonymous]

So there’s these women at my workplace and our workplace is a school environment. I work as a tutor in the afterschool program in the afternoon. At first they all seemed friendly and kind of nice. I started here after winter break when the kids went back to school in my area. However, I’m having some issues… from the get go I would see these girls gossiping about their personal lives such as their love life, kids, money, etc. In my opinion there’s nothing wrong with being friendly but to be gossiping is so unprofessional and immature! I’m 25 and I’m way past that and one of the head managers is 22.. I keep more to myself and I’m just there to simply do my job and they’ve been rude and have made slurs about little things since literally the second or third day. It was about this vest uniform which I ALWAYS wear it but today the lady gave me an attitude just because I took it off for like a half n hour, she also has told me about how I was late only ONE time but they don’t treat other workers like this. It’s only me like JUST me. It makes me feel so sad and singled out. I always am there and help the students but I feel like I’m being discriminated. Am I right?

[Oliverlogan263]

Man, that sounds like a really annoying situation to be in. It doesn't sound fair that they're singling you out and being so much harder on you than the other workers. A few things that come to mind:

- Even if they're being gossipy and unprofessional amongst themselves, as long as they aren't saying rude things directly TO you, it might not legally count as harassment. But it's still a crappy work environment.

- Them nitpicking little things you do differently than others, like taking your vest off for a bit, does sound kinda discriminatory. Like they're looking for any excuse to get on your case.

- Have you tried talking to the higher-up manager about it? Maybe asking if you can have a meeting to discuss the double standards and how you feel singled out? Going the diplomatic route could help.

- If talking doesn't work and it keeps happening, you may need to start documenting specific examples of them treating you differently than others. Dates, times, what was said. That way if you do need to escalate it further, you have evidence.

I know confrontation sucks, but you shouldn't have to put up with that unfair treatment either. Maybe see if you can resolve it first through respectful communication before worrying too much about the legal side of things. Hopefully they'll knock it off once they realize you're not just going to take it. Good luck - I hope it gets better!

[Anonymous]

Petty behaviour from the other women. Unfortunately you have no case rn, I mean you can try a lawyer if you want. Maybe try and get another job?

[Asker]

I know it sucks I love what I do tho I can probably move to another school when there’s an available opening but it all just depends.. I don’t wanna open a can of worms right now.

[Opinion Owner]

Just leave it alone. Ignore them and get a new job when you can. Best of luck

[Anonymous]

It would be interesting to hear their side of this story.