I work in the I.T. department of a town government, where our small team is led by a director who is a fervent conspiracy theorist. In casual conversations, the director frequently discusses bizarre ideas in a hushed, serious manner, as if revealing hidden truths: lizard people infiltrating the federal government, the Rothschilds as vampiric blood drinkers and J.F.K. Jr. secretly controlling Trump with plans for a 2024 comeback.
This individual is responsible for managing and securing the municipal data of a very affluent town. The potential risks are alarming. It is not outside the realm of possibility that this alternate reality could compromise the director’s decision-making, potentially jeopardizing the security of our town’s sensitive information. When I’ve raised my concerns with both the mayor and the head of H.R., they’ve swiftly dismissed the issue and redirected the conversation.
I am left in a difficult position, fearing not only for the security of our town’s data but also for my own job stability under a manager detached from reality. Is it ethical for someone in such a crucial role to openly espouse these beliefs at work? — Name Withheld