Even when I think I have seen and heard it all, I have not.

Here are some of the headlines of things that are still happening in today's workplaces all across the U.S. according to the EEOC website...

• "EEOC Charged Female Employee Fired because of Muslim Headdress (1-29-10)."
• "Male employees were Groped and Degraded by Management and Co-Workers at Upscale Eatery (12-31-09)."
• "Cleveland Dealership Withheld Wages from Employee for Complaining about Discrimination Against Class of Black Workers (1-8-10)."
• "New Orleans Store Fired Employee Because of Ulcerative Colitis (1-7-10)."

and perhaps my favorite...

• "Co-owner Pulled Employee's Pants Down in front of Co-Workers (1-11-10)."

This reminds me of a Seinfeld episode where George yells out, "...we're supposed to be living in a SOCIETY!!!"

Take a look at these definitions of the word "Society:"

1. a body of individuals living as members of a community; community.
2. the body of human beings generally, associated or viewed as members of a community: the evolution of human society.
3. a highly structured system of human organization for large-scale community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity for its members: American society.

Call me crazy, but I don't think we are there yet. 

The EEOC reminds me that we have a LONG way to go.  As a leader, it is your responsibility to make sure that the above headlines are never published with your company name or your personal name attached to them. 

Promote inclusivity!

Teach a workplace harassment class.

Lead by example.

Do whatever you can...

Our "society" depends on it...