Calling a middle-aged white woman a ‘Karen’ is ‘borderline racist, sexist and ageist’, an employment tribunal has found.
The term – used to describe a female who is perceived as entitled or excessively demanding – is ‘pejorative’, a judge said.
The ruling came in the case of black charity worker Sylvia Constance, 74, who accused her bosses of targeting her because of her race and age.
In a complaint written on her behalf, female managers at Mencap were said to have acted like the stereotypical ‘Karen’, having ‘weaponised their privilege and more powerful position against [her]’.
But employment 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 popularised during Covid. It suggests ‘Karens’ are the kind of women who demand to ‘speak to the manager’ to complain, and is also associated with excessive use of Facebook, being anti-vaccination and even a blonde bob haircut.
The hearing in Watford was told Ms Constance joined Mencap as a support worker in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, in 2016.
In 2021, Claire Wilson took over as boss of the residential home where she worked and faced ‘open hostility’ from Ms Constance. In October that year, Ms Wilson suspended Ms Constance over claims she had bullied residents and staff.
Calling a middle-aged white woman a ‘Karen’ is ‘borderline racist, sexist and ageist’, an employment tribunal has found (Stock Photo)
The term – used to describe a female who is perceived as entitled or excessively demanding – is ‘pejorative’, a judge at Watford Tribunal House, pictured, said
In a complaint written on Sylvia Constance’s behalf, female managers at Mencap were said to have acted like the stereotypical ‘Karen’ (Stock Photo)
A week later, the employee filed a grievance. The tribunal heard that in February 2022, the disciplinary process against her was terminated with no action taken.
Ms Constance went off sick, and in April filed another grievance, written on her behalf by friend Christine Yates.
The tribunal heard that Mencap repeatedly tried to hold a meeting into her grievance. Ms Constance refused to attend, and it was held in her absence in June. The grievance was dismissed.
A year later, during which time she had not returned to work, she was sacked due to ‘an irrevocable breakdown in the relationship’ with Mencap.
Ms Constance sued the charity for unfair dismissal, race and age discrimination and victimisation. However, all her claims were dismissed.
The judge said: ‘We find that the complaints levelled against [Ms Constance] were legitimate and did not constitute a targeted racist campaign against her.’
