How to Report Race Discrimination in Your Workplace Effectively
Do you think your employer is mistreating you because of your race? You don’t have to second-guess yourself. If something feels wrong, it very well could be. Tennessee and federal anti-discrimination laws give you the right to speak up and take action. Before you do, it’s wise to consult an experienced race discrimination lawyer for guidance on how to report it.
Get the Employment and Commerce Law Group on your side. A seasoned lawyer from our firm can explain your rights, help you decide on your next steps, and communicate with your employer on your behalf. We have extensive experience handling workplace discrimination cases, and we don’t tolerate companies that break the law.
Reporting race discrimination in the workplace can feel stressful, but we’re here to support you from start to finish. Contact us now to set up your free consultation.
What Is Race Discrimination in the Workplace?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes race discrimination illegal in the U.S. Race discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of their particular racial group or traits linked to their race. It can include:
- Adverse employment decisions, like hiring and firing
- Being passed over for promotions
- Unequal pay for equal work
- Unfair work assignments compared to similarly situated employees
- Fewer benefits or bonuses
- Disciplinary or firing discrepancies
Race discrimination also covers racist jokes, slurs, or comments that create a hostile work environment. Even if an employer doesn’t say anything directly about a person’s race, disparate treatment that follows a pattern can still count as discriminatory conduct.
How to Prove Race Discrimination in the Workplace
Racial bias can be blatant or difficult to spot. If coworkers of a different race get better hours, lighter workloads, or more chances to move up, that could be a sign of race discrimination.
If you hear racial comments, experience unfair discipline, or notice that you consistently get passed over or demoted, take notes. Keep track of names, dates, and details. Save emails or messages that may demonstrate unfair treatment. Ask trusted coworkers if they’ve seen the same things or faced similar problems.
Even if your boss doesn’t say anything openly racist, you can still prove discrimination with patterns and facts. You don’t need to wait for things to get worse before starting to keep a record. A knowledgeable employment attorney can evaluate your findings and offer guidance on whether the behavior rises to the level of racial discrimination.
Steps to Document and Report Workplace Discrimination
If you experience racial discrimination at work in Tennessee, you can take steps to protect yourself and start gathering evidence. Writing things down and voicing your concerns now can help if you decide to report the behavior or file a claim later on. Here are some actions you can take:
Document It
Write down each incident as soon as it happens. Include dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and who was there.
Keep copies of messages or documents that show discrimination. Save everything in a personal folder or on a private device that only you control.
If a co-worker witnessed the discriminatory treatment, ask them if they’re willing to write down what they saw. Their statements could support your version of events.
Report It to Your Employer
Sometimes it’s possible to resolve problems without taking formal legal action. Report the behavior to your manager. If the person is your supervisor, talk to your employer’s Human Resources department.
Submit your complaint in writing, not just in person. An email or written complaint creates a record that might be useful later. Ask for a written response and keep a copy for your records.
Consult a Race Discrimination Lawyer
If your employer fails to respond to your complaint, consult a Tennessee employment lawyer with experience handling workplace discrimination cases. An attorney can evaluate your situation and discuss strategies that could resolve the issue, including filing a formal discrimination claim.
Make a Formal Complaint
If you need to escalate a complaint, you can do so through the Tennessee Civil Rights Enforcement Division (CRED) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
CRED Process
CRED is part of the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office and investigates employment discrimination complaints. You have 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a charge with CRED.
If you file a complaint with CRED and later decide to pursue a lawsuit against your employer, you must notify the agency of your decision.
EEOC Process
The EEOC is the federal agency responsible for investigating discrimination complaints. To file federally, you must you must contact an EEOC counselor within 45 days of the last discriminatory act. If attempts at alternative dispute resolution with your employer fail, you generally have 300 days from the discriminatory event to file a formal charge with the EEOC.
Legal Rights and When to Seek Legal Help
Many people fear retaliation for reporting discrimination at work. Alternatively, they may wonder whether they experienced intentional discrimination or whether they have a valid case even if there was no discriminatory intent. Know this: You have the right to talk to a race discrimination lawyer at any point.
If you’re unsure of whether the treatment you’ve noticed amounts to racial discrimination, you can discuss the situation confidentially with an attorney before reporting it to your supervisor or HR. If you choose to hire a lawyer, they can initiate these conversations for you and represent you throughout the legal process.
Why Choose Employment and Commerce Law Group?
The Employment and Commerce Law Group focuses exclusively on employment and consumer law. We have seen all the ways that Tennessee employers try to avoid responsibility for discriminatory practices, harassment, and other unfair practices — and we’re here to hold them accountable.
Our team has taken on many large corporations, government employers, and major insurance companies — and won. We don’t take shortcuts and give every client personal attention. But don’t just take our word for it. Consider the words of satisfied clients like Chris:
“Extremely professional! They will not make you feel left out in the cold like other firms!”
If you want honest advice from a team that stands up for workers, talk to our Nashville employment lawyers today.
Contact a Workplace Race Discrimination Attorney Now
The Employment and Commerce Law Group has recovered millions of dollars for clients in a wide range of employment matters. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they do reflect the level of commitment and integrity we bring to every case. Contact us today to arrange your free consultation.
