Racial discrimination in the workplace is illegal in Idaho and elsewhere. Unfortunately, it still occurs. It’s important to recognize the signs of it.
How can you identify workplace racial or other discrimination?
Workplace discrimination takes on many different forms. It’s against the law for employers to discriminate against workers on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age. Sadly, many workers still face discrimination at their jobs. These actions and behaviors can make for a hostile working environment.
Some discrimination is obvious while other times it is subtle. Employers are not allowed to ask questions about a person’s race. They cannot terminate someone because of race, refuse to hire them due to their race or refuse an employee a raise, promotion or any other benefit because of their race.
Racial discrimination in the workplace is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Idaho and other states also have their own set of laws pertaining to workplace discrimination.
Sometimes, racial discrimination at work occurs through verbal or written remarks such as jokes. Other times, someone might be hostile and use derogatory language directly to a person or people of a certain race.
What should you do if you believe you’ve faced discrimination?
It’s important to take action if you believe you’ve experienced workplace racial discrimination. Document everything and keep a journal of all incidents, making sure they are dated and include the names of the people who committed the discrimination. Keep a record of all your emails, texts and other documents showing evidence of the discrimination. You should also try to get the names of coworkers or anyone else who was a witness to the behavior.
If you have faced racial discrimination in your workplace, you need to fight back. File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
