Unfortunately, despite the strides our modern society has made, racism still occasionally creeps its way into the workplace. Sometimes racial discrimination is blatant, but other times the discrimination can be much more subtle. Here are a few signs to look for if you suspect racial discrimination in your workplace.
First, check for the obvious signs. Do coworkers use racial slurs? Do they make sweeping generalizations about entire races and ethnicities? Do they repeat harmful racial stereotypes? If coworkers are engaging in these kinds of behaviors, especially if these coworkers are supervisors, these behaviors are unacceptable and should be reported.
Next, check for less obvious signs of racial discrimination. Are members of one race repeatedly promoted over others, even when members of other races have similar skills and experience? When someone breaks a rule or violates a policy, are members of one race treated more harshly than members of other races when they break the same rule? Do supervisors make vague comments about “not fitting in,” to members of minority groups, especially when the workplace is mostly made up of workers of one race or ethnicity? While certainty not an exhaustive list, these are some of the types of subtle signs that there might be racial discrimination occurring in your workplace.
Remember, reporting suspected racial discrimination in your workplace is protected activity and you cannot be retaliated against for doing so. This is true even if you were mistaken and racial discrimination was not actually occurring.
If you feel like you have been a victim of racial discrimination, or feel retaliated against for reporting suspected racial discrimination, then our office may be able to help.