A substitute teacher in Trelleborg, Sweden, was subjected to harassment involving monkey sounds and repeated usage of the N-word by a colleague, resulting in the municipality being ordered to pay compensation for discrimination.
In Trelleborg, Sweden, a substitute teacher reported being harassed by a colleague who made inappropriate monkey sounds and repeatedly used the N-word. After initially dismissing the claims as inconclusive, the Trelleborg municipality was compelled to reconsider its actions after the harassment was recorded. The recording featured the colleague confirming the use of the disparaging language, leading to intervention from the Discrimination Ombudsman (DO).
The Discrimination Ombudsman found the municipality had failed to take adequate measures in response to the substitute teacher's complaints, mandating that the municipality compensate the victim with 50,000 kronor for discrimination. The ombudsman criticized the municipality for not having investigated the incident thoroughly, highlighting the disparities between the initial assessment and the evidence gathered from audio recordings. This situation underscores the significance of appropriate response mechanisms to discrimination and harassment claims in the workplace.
In a letter to the DO, the municipality acknowledged their shortcomings in handling the case and committed to paying the compensation. Additionally, the colleague involved has reportedly been reassigned, indicating that the municipality is taking steps to address the workplace environment and prevent future incidents of discrimination and harassment. This case reflects ongoing societal challenges in addressing racial and discriminatory language in professional settings, emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability in safeguarding employee rights.
