Scenario 2 Anna - Discrimination

Anna is employed by a Commonwealth Department in a client service position. She states the Department has a Policy that blocks e-mails containing particular words identified as 'profanities'. Anna said the word 'lesbian' is on this list and e-mails sent to her containing this word have been blocked. She complains that, as a lesbian, she is offended by the inclusion of this word on the list. The Department noted that the word 'lesbian' is on the list of blocked words, because employees were receiving inappropriate spam e-mails which included this word. As Anna's manager, she has also discussed with you how comments were made in the staff room about her two children and how they would be disadvantaged growing up with same sex parents.

Role Play A(you are the Manager, meeting with Anna to discuss the following)

• The way in which Anna has been directly and indirectly discriminated against.
• Policies and Procedures of the organisation, in relation to diversity and inclusion
• Laws and legal ramifications relevant to this case

1. Collaborate with Anna to work out a plan to improve her working conditions to meet her needs