World gone mad: Music conductor fired for making racist joke even though "victim" says no.

[Machiavellian]

AngryLittleAlchemist said:

twintail said:
Because his conduct reflects on the institution he works for.

Seems easy enough to understand, though what's the joke?

The guy made a southern accent mocking his black friend's souther accent. The black friend said he was not being racist and that he mocks his English accent all the time.

People get fired like this all the time.  2 friends could be making a joke at work together, one is white and one is black.  Both of them are alright about what is said whether it has racial meaning or not.  Someone walks by and hear the jokes and get offended.  Next thing you know one of the 2 or both get fired.  In corporate America, you have to be very careful about what you say especially when it comes to jokes.  They now have these video sessions on harassment on the subject.  It sucks but you have to read the employee manual which no one ever does.