Students, faculty, and staff continue a discussion about equality diversity in the Cafeteria
Alleged discrimination in the Caf raises strong community response
Ben Dedman and Charlie Clay
Issue date: 11/10/06 Section: News
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On Nov. 1, more than 30 students, faculty, and staff gathered at the smoker's gazebo behind Founders Hall to continue a discussion on race relations and equality among cafeteria workers that began a month earlier.
Students voiced their concerns about alleged acts of discrimination in the cafeteria kitchen and the measures employees can take to make their complaints known.
According to Dining Services Manager Michael Watts, no one has come directly to him with discrimination allegations, though he has heard stories "through the grapevine."
"There's really not a lot of people speaking out because of fear for their job," said a cafeteria employee, who asked to remain anonymous. "They would if there wasn't the fear. In these hard economic times, no one wants to be without a job."
The consequences of speaking out, the employee says, "Is so much backlash that it won't even be worth it."
Sophomore John Douglas said at the Nov. 1 forum, "We can't address what's really going on if people are in fear of losing their jobs."
According to Watts, no retribution of any kind will be leveled against employees for voicing their opinions or concerns.
Watts also said that an investigation into the discrimination charges is underway by Sodexho's Human Resources offices, and representatives have come to campus three times since August. Watts would not comment on the content of the investigation or offer an estimate for when the investigation would be concluded.
The current methods available from Sodexho for reporting discrimination cases, says Watts, are to contact him or, if an employee wishes to go elsewhere, they have the option to contact Human Resources directly or to call anonymously via a 1-800 number.
Sophomore Nick Clayman is skeptical of Sodexho's dedication to the investigation, and made an appointment with Human Resources after hearing of the discrimination.
"First, I addressed the new balanced meal plan. And then I said, 'You know, there's also racism from (a new employee).' He looked like he was interested, but I could tell he wasn't listening," said Clayman.
Students voiced their concerns about alleged acts of discrimination in the cafeteria kitchen and the measures employees can take to make their complaints known.
According to Dining Services Manager Michael Watts, no one has come directly to him with discrimination allegations, though he has heard stories "through the grapevine."
"There's really not a lot of people speaking out because of fear for their job," said a cafeteria employee, who asked to remain anonymous. "They would if there wasn't the fear. In these hard economic times, no one wants to be without a job."
The consequences of speaking out, the employee says, "Is so much backlash that it won't even be worth it."
Sophomore John Douglas said at the Nov. 1 forum, "We can't address what's really going on if people are in fear of losing their jobs."
According to Watts, no retribution of any kind will be leveled against employees for voicing their opinions or concerns.
Watts also said that an investigation into the discrimination charges is underway by Sodexho's Human Resources offices, and representatives have come to campus three times since August. Watts would not comment on the content of the investigation or offer an estimate for when the investigation would be concluded.
The current methods available from Sodexho for reporting discrimination cases, says Watts, are to contact him or, if an employee wishes to go elsewhere, they have the option to contact Human Resources directly or to call anonymously via a 1-800 number.
Sophomore Nick Clayman is skeptical of Sodexho's dedication to the investigation, and made an appointment with Human Resources after hearing of the discrimination.
"First, I addressed the new balanced meal plan. And then I said, 'You know, there's also racism from (a new employee).' He looked like he was interested, but I could tell he wasn't listening," said Clayman.
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