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Recognizing subtle forms of discrimination at work

On Behalf of | Jul 29, 2024 | Employment Law

Discrimination occurs when someone mistreats another person based on certain characteristics. These characteristics include race, gender, age, and religion.

While racial slurs or explicit exclusion, are easier to identify and address, subtle actions can be just as harmful. This creates a toxic work environment and hinders the affected individuals’ career growth and well-being.

What are the red flags to look out for?

While some forms of racial discrimination are blatant and easy to spot, others are more subtle and harder to recognize.

  • Microaggressions: Small, everyday slights or insults targeting someone based on race. For example, making comments about someone’s accent or questioning their competence due to their racial background.
  • Exclusion: Excluding certain employees from important meetings or social events can hinder their career growth and sense of belonging.
  • Biased performance evaluations: Unfairly low ratings given to employees of certain racial groups can affect their opportunities for promotions and raises.
  • Unequal task assignments: Assigning fewer desirable tasks or projects to employees based on race limits their professional development.

Additionally, denying promotions or raises to deserving employees due to racial bias, even when their performance merits such rewards can be an act of discrimination.

Taking legal action against discrimination

If you experience racial discrimination at work, take immediate action. Document each incident with details like dates, times, and descriptions. You may also report the discrimination to your human resources department or a trusted supervisor.

Michigan law protects employees from retaliation, so you should not fear losing your job for speaking up. If internal reporting does not resolve the issue, consider filing a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. You may also seek help from a legal professional who understands the problem and knows the following steps to protect your rights.