Liberal. Conservative. These labels have become increasingly polarizing as part of the fall-out from the last several elections. Once one of the “taboo” subjects we weren’t supposed to talk about, politics is now discussed in environments like school and the workplace right along with the weather and Monday Morning Quarterback analyses.

Is this appropriate? We don’t think so. Because of their divisive nature, political leanings can create rifts between people — often not on purpose. Discussing politics in a place where you’re trying to make a positive impression, like a new job or a college class, can make many people feel uncomfortable. Will you be respected for standing behind your beliefs, or will you be looked down upon for disagreeing with the majority or the person in power?

We might not mean to treat others differently because of their political beliefs, but once they are made known, it’s difficult not to take them into account. Most of us have made at least a small judgment on someone based on what we know about that person politically.

It would be preferable to keep politics out of places that attempt to maintain an aspect of neutrality — places like the classroom and the office. However, given our country’s media-fueled obsession with the political climate, this is a near impossibility. Conversations gravitate toward the news, and the news gravitates toward politics.

Recently, a University of Iowa employee filed a lawsuit claiming that she wasn’t hired for several positions in the UI Law School because of her conservative political views. Teresa Wagner, an employee of the law school writing center since 2006, is asking for compensation for lost income, lost benefits and emotional damages after being denied positions as a full-time writing instructor and a part-time adjunct writing instructor in the law school.

In the lawsuit, she asserts that 46 of the law school’s 50 faculty members involved in hiring decisions are registered Democrats in Johnson County, and only one member of the voting faculty is a registered Republican. It is mentioned that the Republican was hired 20 years ago.

Wagner’s resume very clearly indicates a conservative record, including positions on the National Right to Life Committee and the Family Research Council. According to the lawsuit, Wagner states that law professor Randy Bezanson spoke out among faculty against her appointment. Documents included in the lawsuit mention that Bezanson once worked as a law clerk for the author of Roe v. Wade, Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun.

The University of Iowa has been consistent in defending the law school’s decisions not to hire Wagner for the positions in question. When informed of the allegations of discrimination, UI spokesman Steve Parrot said, “We believe it is without merit and we will defend vigorously against it,”

Carolyn Jones, the dean of the law school and sole defendant in the case, gave the following statement:

“I agree with the ultimate decision of the faculty. She was not the best candidate for the position. Her allegation of bias is a little hard to make when she continues to work at the law school.”

Jonathan Carlson, a professor at the UI law school, refuted the claim that Wagner was rejected based on political beliefs, citing her academic record and a “poor job interview” indicating that she “wouldn’t perform well in the position she was seeking.”

In conjunction with its story on Wagner’s lawsuit, the Iowa City Press Citizen reports that the UI history department faced criticism regarding political bias in 2007. The department had 27 Democrats and no Republicans.

Did political discrimination occur in the decision not to hire Teresa Wagner? That will ultimately be determined in court. However, regardless of the final ruling, there is a lesson to be learned here.

Politics are divisive. They are polarizing. And despite the inappropriateness of incorporating them into workplace and educational dialogues, they are a large part of our day-to-day lives.

It doesn’t take much to make a person feel alienated. It also doesn’t take much for a little alienation to turn into a large issue, as illustrated in the aforementioned lawsuit.

These are real issues that we must keep in the forefront of our minds as we enter the working world. If we don’t act carefully and thoughtfully in the workplace, whether as an employer or as an employee, it is feasible to face accusations of discrimination.

Political correctness doesn’t need to rule our lives, but it must be an important consideration.

In the coming years, we will have to adjust to the constant presence of politics and the impact they have on our identities. But no matter what adjustments are made, there is just no place for politics to affect someone’s job or education in what should be politically neutral environments.