I am so furious right now. I just had a meeting with my supervisor a little while ago during which she mentioned that we might be getting our grant renewed after all, which would mean that I could keep the job I have now. I’m pretty much over it and over this program, but it’s better than no job at all. I immediately started thinking of how I could turn it into a more positive experience than the last year has been, and trying to remind myself of what I do like about the job – basically trying to be optimistic about the possibility that I will end up here for up to another year.

Then I got a call from a supervisor at the same agency, different department. I interviewed for a position in her department last week. She told me about a different position that has opened up in her department which she thought might be a good match for me, and offered to set up another interview for me. Suddenly I felt like my options were expanding instead of shrinking, which was a nice change.

Then. She called back. To let me know, by the way that her department has a policy which I should know about before I do any more interviews or accept any positions. The policy is: no facial piercings.

I have a nose ring. I’m Indian. My sister, mother, grandmothers, aunts, and cousins have nose rings. I specifically got my nose pierced before my wedding because it was a time when I was more closely exploring my connection to my culture, and it was a way for me to show my commitment to my heritage, at the same time as I committed to my husband. I told her that it seems strange that there is no distinction for cultural reasons, and pointed out that because this is a Jewish agency, there are plenty of people who walk around with yarmulkes on, although wearing a hat is not considered appropriate in the office. She just kept saying that there was no way to differentiate between someone’s cultural background and their personal choices, even after I gave that example. She said that she is going to go meet with someone else right now and will bring it up with her, but I have no idea who that person is or if she can do anything about it.

I’m so angry! This is a freaking Jewish agency! Of social workers! Hello? People who should know about being culturally competent? She said something like, if they made an exception for cultural heritage, then anyone could claim anything was part of their culture. Excuse me, it really wouldn’t be that hard to find out whether or not having a lip piercing is part of someone’s Scottish heritage! The ability and willingness to learn about things like that is a core tenet of the Social Work Code of Ethics, anyway. Am I crazy or are they totally whacked?

At this point I don’t want to work for this agency in any capacity! What a bunch of hypocrites!

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