Calling someone Karen is ‘borderline racist, sexist and ageist'
Calling a middle-aged white woman a Karen is 'borderline racist, sexist and ageist', an employment tribunal has ruled.
The slang term – often used to describe a woman who is perceived as entitled or excessively demanding – was 'pejorative', a judge said.
The ruling came in the case of Sylvia Constance, a 74-year-old black charity worker, who accused her bosses of targeting her because of her race and her age.
In a 'trenchant' complaint written on her behalf, female managers at Mencap were accused of acting 'like the stereotypical 'Karen'' having 'weaponised their privilege and more powerful position against [her]'.
'There is also something very sordid about the way in which white, female management have facilitated racism... [and given] a misogynistic, racist view of the black Complainant.' the grievance said.
Regarding the complaint, Judge George Alliott said: 'We note [the use of] the slang term 'Karen', which is a pejorative and borderline racist, sexist and ageist term.'
Referring to someone as a Karen began as an internet meme, which was popularised during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The stereotype suggests Karens are the kind of woman who demands to 'speak to the manager' to make a complaint and is also associated with excessive use of Facebook.
Ms Constance, who describes herself as Black British, started working for Mencap as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities in Harpenden in 2016.
In 2021, Claire Wilson took over as the manager of the residential home, which provided individual flats to 11 residents, where she worked.
'Open hostility'
The tribunal was told that on her arrival, Ms Wilson faced 'open hostility' from Ms Constance, who 'sighed' at her, responded with one-word answers and on one occasion shouted at her for 'hassling' her while she was busy.
The hearing was told the pair clashed on several occasions, with the manager accusing the support worker of having 'blinkers on' and of being 'too loud'.
In October that year, Ms Wilson suspended Ms Constance over claims she had bullied residents and staff.
Just over a week later, while an investigation was underway, the employee filed a grievance over her treatment.
The tribunal heard that in February 2022, the disciplinary process against her was terminated and no action against her was taken.
Ms Constance went off sick and in April, she filed another grievance, written on her behalf by a friend.
The tribunal heard that over the following months, Mencap repeatedly attempted to hold a meeting about her grievance. But Ms Constance refused to attend.
In the end, it was held in her absence in June and dismissed.
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