Being discriminated against because of race can be a stressful experience, even more so in the workplace. Many people might prefer to quit their jobs rather than deal with the unpleasantness, but it isn’t so simple when you have family obligations. Fortunately, there are other options. U.S. federal and California state employment laws have strict provisions against workplace discrimination, including race-based discrimination, and you can use these laws to protect your legal rights. Run an online search for “race discrimination lawyers near me” to find a lawyer in your area.
What is race discrimination?
Race discrimination is being prejudicial towards people on account of their race. It can lead to treating them differently, with suspicion, avoidance, disrespect, and even hostility. The employment laws prohibit racial discrimination in the workplace, but unfortunately, many employees may still experience it. Does that describe your work situation? Is the discriminatory behavior making it difficult for you to handle your day-to-day tasks? It might be a good idea to search online for “race discrimination lawyers near me” and get legal representation.
What are examples of workplace race discrimination?
The following types of behaviors in the workplace are examples of race discrimination:
• Being subjected to casual race-based epithets and offensive racial remarks.
• Being treated with disrespect due to your race by co-workers, managers, and employers.
• Being excluded from work projects, meetings, training programs, and workplace social events because of your race.
• Having your work sabotaged and being denied projects, promotions, and salary raises due to your race.
• Not getting the job you are qualified for because of your race.
What to do when you experience discrimination because of your race at work?
Here are some of the things you should do if you experience discrimination because of the race at work:
• Gather evidence: Save any racially derogatory emails, text messages, chat messages, voice messages, video messages, videos, photos, and images you received in the workplace. Maintain a record of all racially discriminatory incidents you experienced, including who said what, when they said it, where they said it, and who was present.
• Confront the perpetrators: Some people are just insensitive and do not realize that they are being offensive. You could approach the perpetrator in a public area and inform them clearly that you do not appreciate their behavior toward you and would like them to stop. Record yourself.
• Inform your manager: If the perpetrators persist, inform your manager. Per the law, they must intervene to stop discriminatory behavior in the workplace.
• File a formal complaint: If the manager ignores you or is ineffective, you can file a formal complaint with the HR department. They will investigate the matter and may warn, transfer, or fire the perpetrator.
• Hire a lawyer: If the HR department fails to act, search on the Internet for “race discrimination lawyers near me” to get legal representation. The employment lawyer can file claims with the EEOC or the DFEH. If the agency’s intervention fails to produce results, you can file a lawsuit against your employer.