How to Deal with Ethnic Discrimination in the Workplace

Getting along with others in a workplace environment is tough enough without bringing prejudice into the equation. If you take the proper measures you can deal with ethnic discrimination in the workplace effectively.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Make sure that the discrimination is authentic. If in the past a supervisor denied you a privilege, have another coworker of a different ethnicity ask for the same privilege. If the coworker receives the request, there may be discrimination. Just be certain that there is ethnic discrimination in workplace before you make it an issue.
2. Talk with other people of the same ethnicity in your workplace. There is power in numbers and if there is discrimination against you, chances are others are receiving the same treatment. Talking to others in a similar situation can also provide you support and validation.
3. Speak with your supervisor about the discrimination. List the reasons for the case of discrimination. Make the case calmly and rationally to the supervisor. If after the meeting you still feel that discrimination exists you may need to take the complaint to a higher authority.
4. Contact the human resources department of the company you work for. Some companies have specific processes that you need to undertake to file an internal discrimination grievance.
5. Retain the services of a discrimination attorney. After you contact the internal company resources to file a grievance, you need to talk to a lawyer that specializes in discrimination to assess your options. See the resources section for more information.
6. File an external grievance with a governmental entity. The Lawyer can walk you through these steps as discrimination laws and procedures vary depending on the state in which you live.