Is it wrong for my boss and other employees to be doing this? Political and religious emails..?

Question

Ok, so I would say I am moderate in my political views, with slight leanings to the left and I work with a bunch of ultra-conservatives. My boss constantly sends all of the employees these articles about how Al Gore is wrong and how Global Warming is bullcrap. Before Thanksgiving, another co-worker sends the whole company this article from a conservative journal talking about how Thanksgiving is really about God. The only other liberal that works here sends an email saying that it is wrong to subject all employees to these emails. Argument ensues, somehow gets on the topic of Iraq, then the liberal and the conservatives are going back and forth about weapons of mass destruction, all the while copying EVERY employee in the company on the emails. Is this wrong? Is this legal? What is the best way to go about dealing with this issue? Should I say something to someone? It is making me feel uncomfortable.

Just a quick edit: A lot of responses are talking about going to HR. This is a small business, with only about 15 employees, so there is no HR department. The fact that it is such a small business and this is going on probably makes it worse, if it was a bigger company, it might not be as bad, but I see everyone everyday.

Answer 1

I don't know about illegal, but if it is annoying, I would just delete the messages, keep your head down & look for another job. If you get in the think of it, you will be no better than they.

Answer 2

Sounds like a pretty clear cut case of hostile work place environment. And depending on the state law it may be illegal and depending on the company policies is most likely not kosher. I would start with the HR deptartment if you don't feel comfortable directly approaching your co-workers.

Answer 3

Ever heard of Spam mail? But all their As-ses on spam and rid yourself of the drama. Or be like me and piss them all equally by going on the contrary on purpose. That always makes my day go fast.
Everyone should talk about politics because it's everyone's business. About the dumb lady who said thanksgiving is about God, she needs to be fired at once just for being stupid and your boss sounds like an idiot. Just go with the flow

Answer 4

Definately think it is wrong.
Furthmore I agree with Kevin H. It is creating an uncomfortable environment at work for you. You should go see the HR people.

Answer 5

I don't think there is anything illegal about it. If your boss is not the owner of the company, you could bring the issue up to his boss or HR. Or just get a thick skin and laugh at them behind their backs.

Answer 6

have you tried asking to be removed from these emails?

legally, the first step you have to take is asking them to refrain from speaking about things that make you feel uncomfortable around you or cc'ing you on the emails.

I'm a christian and have had this situation on the other side. But i don't think it's right to force any specific topic on anyone, especially if it makes them uncomfortable.

Answer 7

Totally inappopriate!!!! Like they said, dont get involved, and hit the Delete button when you see one of those. If it gets really bad, then you should talk to a Human Resource person! -cass

Answer 8

Delete the e-mails. Stay out of the fray. It's safer that way.

Answer 9

just delete the emails and stay out of it. If they bother you, you dont have to read them. no point getting everyone mad at you over it.

Answer 10

I would just suck it up and hit the 'delete' button. You are in the minority and need to deal with this.