Valerie Hoffman Quoted in SHRM Online
“‘Head Faking’ Can Lead to More Religiously Tolerant Workplace"

Valerie Hoffman was quoted in the January 12, 2010 article, “‘Head Faking’ Can Lead to More Religiously Tolerant Workplace," published by SHRM Online. The article discussed various approaches to teaching religious tolerance in the workplace. According to the article, each new act of terrorism raises the concern of backlash in the workplace and with it, the risk of religious discrimination claims. Valerie remarked, “Backlash is not a myth.” She explained, “I have seen it in a number of workplaces, and while backlash may not involve violence, it almost always involves an increased suspicion of Muslims and results, consequently, in increased alienation of this group. This growing distrust is counterproductive in the workplace and sets up an environment that becomes increasingly tense and hypersensitive.” Valerie cautioned that this tension can lead to incidents that “can later flare out of control.”