Empathy without education is enabling

You’re enabling because it seems like you don’t know what you’re talking about. Do you? So many data points are there to suggest this is a phantom issue. Apologizing only validates that there is something to be sorry for, when that’s not what the facts suggest.

By all means, love your coworkers. People often see their coworkers more than their families. Listen to what they have to say, but don’t perpetuate ignorance.

Steps

1. Do your research on the issues; there’s no point in talking if you don’t know what you’re talking about
2. Seek to understand. Hear a person out. They’ve done research too and may have a different perspective. It may be something that’s fundamental that they don’t understand (or that changes your opinion). Validate their feelings and points of view.
3. Seek to be understood. Introduce your new contrary opinion with facts.