Trouble at work for using the “derogatory” M word

Several weeks ago an old friend (we used to work together) reached out to me for advice and clarification. They didn’t know I left the church. There was a discussion at the friend’s workplace. It was a group of people (maybe a break room?) and they were talking another the location of something in town. My friend said something like “yeah it’s near the Mormon temple”. One of his coworkers (the only MORMON) didn’t say a word. Instead they reported him to the boss for using a derogatory term. So my friend got called in and told not to use that term because MORMON (yeah I’m purposely emphasizing it bc I’m petty) coworker said it’s offensive and derogatory. My friend called me because they thought I used the word, etc. I explained I left but used “Meet the Mormons”, “I am a Mormon”, “Mormon dot org” and “Mormon Tabernacle Choir” as examples of how the church itself used these terms (at least in the past). I’m honestly not clear if it was just a slap on the wrist or if it was a letter in their file or what but they were very upset and confused about this. Hell, I was confused! They are a really good person who has advanced well into their career and have never been in any kind of trouble. In fact, they are known as being a bit of a steady rock at work. They don’t get emotionally charged, they don’t get into the work drama. They keep their head down and work and do a good job. Now they have this ugly mark.

Is this the level members are at now?