I retired in Feb 2021. Prior to that we were forced to attend CRT trainings which were generating conflict in previously cohesive teams. My associate lab director (a position reporting to the lab director which is the top management position) sent out a recommended reading list to all of his management and staff.
I retired in Feb 2021. Prior to that we were forced to attend CRT trainings which were generating conflict in previously cohesive teams. My associate lab director (a position reporting to the lab director which is the top management position) sent out a recommended reading list to all of his management and staff.
I perused the materials and then used some old but still relevant language to challenge the materials. I presented the challenge to him in the form of an email response to his email with the reading list. I was very respectful while at the same time factual.
First I pointed out that as a conservative Christian, which is still a protected class under the civil rights act, I was “offended” by many of the materials. This is older management speak. We are not to offend anybody. I then pointed out the specifics of what is offensive to me and why.
Second I pointed out that the trainings had generated conflicts within teams that had previously been highly functional. Once again I presented the details.
Finally I asked him for the data, with a benefit/cost analysis that supported forcefully introducing this into the workplace.
I expected a canned response from HR but to my surprise I got a direct response from him asking if we could meet which I of course accepted. The meeting included a very high level HR rep who tried to justify being on the leading edge of promoting equity in the work place.
I respectfully listened and then brought my own background and personal experiences into the discussion. After that, I once again asked to see the data that justified bringing this in the workplace. To my surprise, my executive leader said there was none but he thought it would be a good idea for management and staff to be exposed to different viewpoints. He went on to say that he had never heard my perspective and that he would like me to join his corporate diversity team.
I was already planning to retire so I thanked him and declined. I then informed him that I had joined the company to contribute my technical skills to our success not to sit on a diversity team where I have no interest or expertise.
Bottom line, there may be hope if you take a stand and respectfully put your concerns in terms that management can understand and relate to.
I would like to know what state you live in, if you don't mind?
Right before covid, we had required training that was more anti-discrimination/sensitivity than anything else - the examples given were jokes about people's weight and age that could be offensive. We've had nothing like diversity/CRT type training, and I don't expect us to. We also didn't have vaccine mandates. This is a medium sized private (employee owned) manufacturing firm in Birmingham, AL. I've worked as an engineer at 4 different manufacturing facilities in Alabama and South Carolina. Everywhere I've worked, the workforce matches the surrounding area, ~40% black, and you might be surprised at how many women choose to work in manufacturing. I've never felt or sensed any type of racial contention anywhere I've worked, not ever. You were so right to voice your opposition to something which actually damages workgroup cohesion.
I'm biased and possibly wrong, but I don't think the CRT indoctrination in corporate/workforce culture is anywhere near as common in the South as it is in other places. People here would voice their opposition, as you said, based on our personal experiences. I hope this movement is just a fad - if it isn't, people are just going to have to move to a different state or city to get away from it.
His offer to you to join the team makes me think of Paul Elias Alexander's offer from Pfizer: $1M and $50K per month. In his mind the offer included an unspoken understanding that he would from then on be 'unspoken'.
I retired in Feb 2021. Prior to that we were forced to attend CRT trainings which were generating conflict in previously cohesive teams. My associate lab director (a position reporting to the lab director which is the top management position) sent out a recommended reading list to all of his management and staff.
I perused the materials and then used some old but still relevant language to challenge the materials. I presented the challenge to him in the form of an email response to his email with the reading list. I was very respectful while at the same time factual.
First I pointed out that as a conservative Christian, which is still a protected class under the civil rights act, I was “offended” by many of the materials. This is older management speak. We are not to offend anybody. I then pointed out the specifics of what is offensive to me and why.
Second I pointed out that the trainings had generated conflicts within teams that had previously been highly functional. Once again I presented the details.
Finally I asked him for the data, with a benefit/cost analysis that supported forcefully introducing this into the workplace.
I expected a canned response from HR but to my surprise I got a direct response from him asking if we could meet which I of course accepted. The meeting included a very high level HR rep who tried to justify being on the leading edge of promoting equity in the work place.
I respectfully listened and then brought my own background and personal experiences into the discussion. After that, I once again asked to see the data that justified bringing this in the workplace. To my surprise, my executive leader said there was none but he thought it would be a good idea for management and staff to be exposed to different viewpoints. He went on to say that he had never heard my perspective and that he would like me to join his corporate diversity team.
I was already planning to retire so I thanked him and declined. I then informed him that I had joined the company to contribute my technical skills to our success not to sit on a diversity team where I have no interest or expertise.
Bottom line, there may be hope if you take a stand and respectfully put your concerns in terms that management can understand and relate to.
That is great, thank you for sharing your experience!
I would like to know what state you live in, if you don't mind?
Right before covid, we had required training that was more anti-discrimination/sensitivity than anything else - the examples given were jokes about people's weight and age that could be offensive. We've had nothing like diversity/CRT type training, and I don't expect us to. We also didn't have vaccine mandates. This is a medium sized private (employee owned) manufacturing firm in Birmingham, AL. I've worked as an engineer at 4 different manufacturing facilities in Alabama and South Carolina. Everywhere I've worked, the workforce matches the surrounding area, ~40% black, and you might be surprised at how many women choose to work in manufacturing. I've never felt or sensed any type of racial contention anywhere I've worked, not ever. You were so right to voice your opposition to something which actually damages workgroup cohesion.
I'm biased and possibly wrong, but I don't think the CRT indoctrination in corporate/workforce culture is anywhere near as common in the South as it is in other places. People here would voice their opposition, as you said, based on our personal experiences. I hope this movement is just a fad - if it isn't, people are just going to have to move to a different state or city to get away from it.
Albuquerque, New Mexico. A big defense contractor. The “vaccine” mandates came after I retired.
Although I'm concerned that some who are on the fence may be swayed toward the DEI side with all the required trainings.
His offer to you to join the team makes me think of Paul Elias Alexander's offer from Pfizer: $1M and $50K per month. In his mind the offer included an unspoken understanding that he would from then on be 'unspoken'.
You leaned your trade but you were gifted common sense by God.
Very interesting and informative. Thank you for sharing.
I like your approach. Thank you for sharing your story.
Exactly!