Pubbles

A new employee joined our department three months ago. He was a practicing Muslim, and nobody had a problem with his religion. We respected his prayer breaks, accommodated his dietary requirements during office events, and even adjusted meeting schedules when possible. But last Tuesday, things got uncomfortable during a team lunch. One of my colleagues ordered a glass of wine, and he immediately said, “You people should stop drinking. It’s forbidden, and you’re destroying your lives.” Another colleague laughed nervously and replied, “We respect your beliefs, but you can’t decide what everyone else drinks.” He became defensive. “I’m only telling you what is right. If you respected religion, you would understand.” The conversation escalated when he started telling another employee that her clothing was inappropriate and that she should dress more modestly. She finally put down her fork and said, “I come here to do my job, not to be judged by your religious standards.”