Before I could answer, I have to ask this: how are you made aware of the behavior? Are you in the meetings and witnessing this first hand? Did someone else tell you about it? Or is the door open and you're overhearing the conversation?
Because I think if you're directly hearing the comments, then I might suggest you document each occurrence with the date, time, name of the individual and the offensive comment, and then report to HR.
But if you're hearing this second-hand from someone else, I'd be careful. They may have an ax to grind and trying to pull you into their drama. And if your co-workers are gossiping about gossiping, then I would really be careful - I'd probably think the whole department is toxic and I'd start looking for another job, because I don't know if HR could help the situation. Maybe, but I don't know. Is this behavior just the department or throughout the whole company?