Diversity



From: Bethany Fitzsimmons (bethany.fey7@gmail.com)
Date: June 10, 2017
To: “Mama <3" (mejnc55@gmail.com)
Subject: Diversity…

This is deltas fb post the same week they asked me to not wear my Dixie Outfitters hoodie at work.

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From: “MaryElla Fitz” (mejnc55@gmail.com)
Date: Jun 10, 2017
Subject: Fwd: Diversity
To: “HK Edgerton” (hk.edgerton@gmail.com)
Cc: “bethany – home” (bethany.fey7@gmail.com)

Dear Brother,

My hands are shaking so that I can scarcely type this note to you! Bethany had her yearly evaluation with her manager last week. After receiving rave reviews for her quality of work and their meeting was coming to a close, her boss informed her there was just one complaint, which he was loathe to have to share with her.

Someone (her boss was not at liberty to say who) had complained about Beth’s Dixie Outfitter hoodie, which she wears (and has worn for a long time) to ward off cool office temps! He was required to ask her to remove the hoodie and not wear it at work again!

Her boss could see how shocked and bewildered she was, as it has never before been an issue. She said the countless hours of Diversity Training she and all employees receive came flooding to her mind… how could they ask such a thing of her?! Though it didn’t seem to her so much a request, as it was clearly expected to be followed! What happened to diversity?! Where was this coming from all of a sudden?

She still had not managed to respond, when her boss said he understood, if after removing her hoodie and without another one there to replace it with, she wanted the rest of the day off, so she wouldn’t be cold! (Her boss is a southerner, as well and said he was sorry to have to share this news with her. And that he knew she had never worn it to provoke anyone and that he had not had any issues with it.)

She is only in the office 2 days a week at present and telecommutes the rest of the week. Needless to say, she has gone from shock and disbelief to anger and is dreading her return to the office next week. To make matters even more confusing, the first time she logged in to Facebook after a few days, the first thing that greets her, via her newsfeed, is Delta’s updated timeline photo (attached) and support for others diversity… just not hers ??

The recent Battle for Nash Farms seems to be taking Atlanta by storm! Now in the workplace where tolerance and diversity are urged… but then you find it is not meant for everyone.

Your discouraged sisters,
MaryElla & Bethany

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From: “HK Edgerton” (hk.edgerton@gmail.com)
Date: Jun 11, 2017
Subject: Fwd: Diversity
To: “siegels1” (siegels1@mindspring.com)

Dear Ms. Lunelle & Kirk D.,

What do I say to Ms. MaryElla, and her daughter, Bethany, whose family are some of my most staunchest supporters. God bless you!

Your brother,

H.K.