Inappropriate e-mails — Don’t pass them on Published Nov. 13, 2007 By Maura Sillas 90th Space Wing Military Equal Opportunity F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- There are a lot of people who believe only supervisors and top leadership should enforce equal opportunity laws -- this is far from correct. I have found the best adversaries for discrimination and sexual harassment are coworkers, friends or even the male or female sitting across from you and your buddies at a local bar. What would you do if an individual in the next office or cubicle e-mailed you and 20 other people a sexually explicit or racially disparaging picture or joke? Believe it or not, many people would either laugh it off or delete the e-mail. The determination of whether a picture or joke is considered sexual harassment or discrimination is not necessarily based on how it is intended but how it is received. Air Force Instruction 36-2706, Military Equal Opportunity Program, refers to unwelcome sexual conduct as a sexual behavior or act that has the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Disparaging terms degrade or indicate negative statements pertaining to race, color, gender, national origin or religion. If an e-mail is received this way, it is considered unlawful. Even if the sender meant to ease the heavy load of high operations tempo by an intended "harmless" picture or joke. Perception is reality, and if one person feels offended then the sender is guilty of sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination. What is wrong with sexually explicit or racially disparaging pictures or jokes? First of all, it could damage a working environment enough to spread throughout the unit and affect mission readiness. Second, these types of written communication and other sexually-oriented visuals could be used as evidence in discrimination and sexual harassment complaints. These types of e-mails could be career ending and should be avoided at all cost. Occasionally, people share these types of e-mails. What people do not know or understand is that all government computers are monitored. Sexually explicit or discriminating jokes shared through official means (e.g. office computers or Blackberries) are in violation of AFI 33-119, Air Force Messaging. Air Force members sending harassing, intimidating, abusive or offensive materials to or about others, or broadcasting inappropriate messages to groups or individuals are subject to Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 92; Failure to Obey Order or Regulation. Civilians who are caught sending these types of e-mails may be subject to administrative disciplinary actions as well. The Air Force today emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy toward anyone advocating discrimination or sexual harassment. Despite the leadership support, as well as various training set in place, we still have cases such as the above scenario. This is where MEO comes in. Know what to look for and try to understand how these jokes, pictures and comments can offend people. If you come across a sexually explicit e-mail or joke, inform the sender of the violation and to cease sending further offensive e-mails. If they continue, further actions may be taken such as informing their supervisor, first sergeant or commander. Visit the MEO office for guidance on any issues or concerns regarding discrimination and sexual harassment. We represent the Air Force. Let's eliminate racially and sexually explicit e-mails from the work section.