Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Foul Language at Work

Private company. Progress meeting. 4 attendees. H/R-Accounting; CIO; VP Biz Dev. and Underwriting. I am CIO (male) and rpt to CEO (who is VP Biz Dev. husband!). She uses ''F'' word twice to accentuate her dissatisaction w progress. Dissatisfaction fine, language choice not. Deserved or not is another debate but I am hurt that she found it neccessary to degrade me to that level in order to communicate her desires to me. I cannot stand to hear that language at work especially in front of two other ladies. I'm no prude but I found the behavior reprehensible from her exec level. As CIO, do I have to report this? I did ask her never to use that language around me again when we were alone after the meeting to which I feel she was honestly sorry. What do I have to do according to CA law? There were two witnesses.


Asked on 4/23/07, 12:04 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Kirschbaum Law Offices of Michael R. Kirschbaum

Re: Foul Language at Work

Crude, reprehensible and inappropriate in the workplace? Yes. Illegal? No,

You certainly may choose to report the behavior but, if you do, do so diplomatically. Just know this is not protected whistleblowing. You do so at your own risk.

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Answered on 4/23/07, 12:12 pm
Amy Ghosh Law Offices of Amy Ghosh

Re: Foul Language at Work

Foul language itself is not actionable unless it degrades someone based on race, religion, national orgin, sexual orientation, etc.

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Answered on 4/23/07, 12:48 pm


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