Otago University is maintaining silence in the face of concern over its allegedly lax position on co-worker jokes about a person's sexuality, as indicated by evidence in the recent Weatherston trial. During the recent trial of University lecturer Clayton Weatherston for the murder of his ex-girlfriend and student Sophie Elliott, testimony was given of Ms Elliott's supervisor saying of Weatherston: "What's with the makeup?" and "What's with the necklace?" On the stand the supervisor confirmed that he had made the comments and that he had joked with Elliott that he thought Weatherston, who is apparently straight, might be gay. Concerns were directed to GayNZ.com asking whether speculative joking about a staff member's sexuality by another staff member, and to a student, was appropriate workplace behaviour. It was pointed out that under the Human Rights Act 1993 the University must not allow behaviour that is likely to result in discrimination. Otago University's discrimination policy acknowledges the Act and proscribes conduct which "results or is likely to result in less favourable treatment, or creates or is likely to create a less favourable environment, for any person or group of people than for another person or group of people in the same or similar circumstances by reason of... sexual orientation." Its sexual harrassment policy does not address speculation or innuendo regarding sexuality. By comparison, Victoria University states that it is "not okay" to "comment on someone's personal appearance or sexual orientation in a derogatory way." GayNZ.com approached Otago University for comment or clarification shortly before the close of the Weatherston trial but were told the University could not comment as it considered the matter sub judice. Twice since the trial concluded on July 22nd we have formally asked the University if such speculation and comment is appropriate the workplace, whether it infringes the University's code of behaviour and if the matter has been followed up with the supervisor. We have also twice asked what message Otago University has "for gay and lesbian staff and students regarding sexuality-based slurs, or speculation about their sexuality, by others within the University including their peers." To date there has been no response.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 24th August 2009 - 2:47am