I have worked at my new job 5 months and discovered there is high turnover in this dept because of a clique of 5 people (out of 9). The “ringleader” is an older woman who apparently has to have a target for the clique to dislike. The current target is me, the new person (I don’t care as long as they don’t interfer with my job performance). One of the 5–a student worker–is graduating college and leaving. Not once has she assisted or spoken to me, even when asked and spoken to, but I have heard her make disparaging remarks about me (HR acknowledges there is a problem but since the dept manager takes no action, feels their hands are tied and just keeps transferring people wanting out or accepting resignations.) The dept is taking a monetary collection for a present for this young woman, signing a card, and taking her to lunch. My inclination is to say “No, thanks.” But should I participate just to go along and be a “team player” and not “rock the boat”?