TrainingBriefs® Hurtful Conversations

Insensitive remarks about an overweight co-worker can lead to the perception of harassment. Discussions with co-workers that ridicule or disrespect anyone because of a protected class status can be offensive and lead to an accusation of discriminatory harassment.

It is not clear cut under the law whether obesity always meets the definition of a “disability,” but it is clear that “regarding” someone as disabled, even when they are not, is a form of discrimination.