Hardy-har-har.

I'm pretty disappointed by not getting to experience Hurricane Juan. I was really hoping for some dramatic weather. I stayed up pretty late last night watching all the reports, and straining to listen for wind/rain/falling trees/flying cows outside my window. Of course, to no avail.

Anyway.

Remember my earlier post about that position I was supposed to have at UW? I had met the girl, who wasn't that much older than me, but was Francophone? That I had felt betrayed because I felt that were not upfront to me about who got the job?

Well, I started to feel bad, if not a little prejudiced about the whole thing. I thought that maybe this woman may have had some qualifications I didn't know about. Maybe her résumé was impressive. Maybe she had some experience that was leaps and bounds over my own? Maybe I should blame in politics?

Ehn, no.

While helping out there on Saturday, I had a frank discussion with E. I finally brought up the subject, cautiously. I finally asked her about her qualifications, etc. Then I asked her point blank - was she hired because of her language? She looked to the floor, and shook her head - yes.

The men and women on the Board (who do the hiring), are, mostly Francophone. UW has had some serious PR issues when it comes to the language (all of the senior staff are Anglo, but those who communicate with the public, except for the E.D., are bilingual). So, the Board has been seeking to hire Franchophones to improve their image.

Fair enough, but I am just as qualified as she is, except I am not Franco. I am bilingual (though I am a petit rusty). I'd understand if I was completely Anglophone. Then, I would like qualifications needed for the job. But, to be told that that was the only thing that separated us? They did not even offer me an interview! I was told upfront that they were seeking an older, more experienced, more visible member of the community.

The whole thing smacks of discrimination. I know this is a very touchy subject, and if there are any Franco readers out there, I'm sorry, and you're invited to share your opinions.

My father had actually suggested that I may have a legal case for this. No, I would never, EVER, do such a thing, but it's all very interesting. If anything, it opens things up for political discussion.

So why do you still work there, ya idiot?

A few reasons... I don't feel like I should punish the staff for the idiocy of their Board... These are some of the best contacts, and references I have.. If I pissed them off, I would have undone a lot of my own networking..... Ultimately, I believe the work I do to help them does, though indirectly, serve to help people... and finally, I do like most of the people in that office, and I don't want to lose those friendships.

But, this has cemented in my mind that I don't think I would ever go back there on a full-time basis. That's all.