Being a person of color can mean facing injustices on an almost daily basis. Though laws are supposed to protect individuals from race discrimination, far too many people continue to be affected by illegal treatment every day. In many instances, employees can end up contending with unjust actions at their places of employment for years before the situation reaches a breaking point.
Michigan readers may be interested in a discrimination lawsuit that was recently filed in another state. According to reports, an associate professor has filed suit against the university where he works after enduring what he claims is a racially hostile workplace. The man, who is Black, has apparently worked at the university for over 10 years, and despite having successfully published research, he has not been made a full professor.
The man’s lawsuit includes the following claims:
- He was not considered for full professorship despite requesting consideration after the successful publication of his research book.
- He was accused of harassment after repeatedly complaining about racial injustices to the head of his department.
- After publishing an article about the discriminatory actions he faced at the university, white colleagues complained that he was creating a racially hostile workplace.
- He was given a letter of discipline, accusing him of discrimination, inappropriate conduct and harassment.
It is not unusual for individuals to be ignored, silenced or made out to be the instigators of trouble rather than the victims. As this case shows, it may be necessary to take legal action when race discrimination pervades a workplace. If Michigan workers believe that their complaints about discrimination are not being heard, they may want to look into their legal options.