Does anyone have the specific Army policy on using slurs and other racist behaviors in the workplace?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 15:59:57 -0400

I was at an EO class and from what I understood before then, the official Army policy was that using any slur for any reason is banned. Both the NCOs stated that as long as a particular slur is used as a term of endearment and it is not directed towards you, it is ok. I'm thinking that anyone could be offended at vulgar language in the workplace, especially racial slurs. Can anyone clarify on this? The word "slur" isn't even mentioned in command policy.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 4:24 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:24:40 -0400

AR 600-20, AR 690-12 and AR 690-600.
Download these, ctrl-F the word "offensive" and you'll find everything you need to know.

Unlawful harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome conduct, intimidation, ridicule, insult, offensive comments or jokes, or physical conduct based on race, color, religion, sex (whether or not of a sexual nature), national origin, age (over 40), disability, genetic information, or reprisal when an employee's acceptance or rejection of such conduct explicitly or implicitly forms the basis for a tangible employment action affecting the employee, or the conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to alter the terms, conditions, or privileges of the employee's employment or otherwise create a hostile or abusive work environment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 4:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:31:49 -0400

Those NCOs were wrong. I'm not sure why they're even EOLs if they're saying that.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Aug 5 at 2020 4:35 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:35:45 -0400

What kind of racial slur is ever used as a term of endearment? That sounds weird.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 8:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 20:15:11 -0400

Said word should not be used in the workplace. The Army is a profession and should be treated as such. Words of such nature do not have any place in a professional workplace.

Response by SGT Debra Jahnel made Aug 5 at 2020 10:55 PM

SGT Debra Jahnel — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 22:55:47 -0400

It's definitely a different world than 30 yrs ago. I remember my male DS (with the Company's first female DS) telling his first female platoon that he would never use profanity toward us & finish the rant with, "Now get the f... off my truck."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 1:58 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 01:58:13 -0400

Reference AR 600-20, command policy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 4:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 04:55:06 -0400

They are WRONG. It matters not what the people say it "Meant" it matters how you received it.
I would call out Soldiers all the time for calling someone a racial slur as a "Term Of Endearment" If I can not call some one that word they can not either.
An Example would be Black Soldiers Calling themselves "N" and laughing about (I used to hear it all the time) it but if any non-Black Soldier did the same thing those same Soldiers would want to beat his ass. There is no Double Standard!
Those Black Soldiers can be charged with an EO violation and if they are NCOs they should get a "Does NOT Support EO" bullet on there NCOER

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 7:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:55:57 -0400

I was EO back in 2008 and that is not what the Division instructor told us, if you use a term, phrase toward someone even if they don't find it offensive but someone overhears it and finds it offensive you could be in trouble.