Courteous Commenting

Before you make any questionable comment to someone, you should always ask yourself three questions:

• Is the comment sexually explicit or derogatory of a protected characteristic?
• How well do I know the person and what he or she finds offensive?
• Is it possible that someone might overhear me?

If you have asked yourself the three questions and are still unsure whether a comment is appropriate or not, think about how you would answer these questions:

1. Would I want this comment made to my spouse, significant other, or child?
2. Would I say this if my supervisor, spouse, significant other, or child could hear me?
3. Would I feel comfortable if my comment were replayed on the 11 o’clock news?
4. Would I feel comfortable repeating my comment in court?