Discrimination takes many forms, and sometimes, it will not be as overt as hearing slurs or offensive jokes at your expense. Anyone can be the victim of unfair treatment. It is important to know the subtle ways people put down others to avoid getting in trouble with the law.
Common forms of subtle discrimination
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) describes discrimination as instances when someone subjects you to unfair treatment due to specific traits. This manifests in many different ways in the workplace:
- Microaggressions: People at the workplace might make layered comments or perform subtle gestures to show their hostility. Examples include coworkers deliberately mispronouncing your name or pocketing personal effects when a person of color enters the workplace. While these acts are not against the law, they contribute to creating a hostile work environment, which the EEOC can protect you from.
- Social exclusion: This refers to instances where you are left out of social events and coffee breaks, making you feel unwelcome at the workplace.
- Unequal pay: You may have a smaller salary compared to your coworkers, despite having the same role, responsibilities and experience.
- Fewer opportunities: If your employers often overlook you for promotions, leadership roles, projects or training in favor of less qualified coworkers, they may be discriminating against you.
The EEOC protects various traits and characteristics. In Texas, some laws prevent peers and superiors in the workplace from treating you unfairly because of your race, nationality, religion, disability or sex.
What should you do if you face discrimination?
If your workplace treats you poorly because of certain traits irrelevant to your job, you are likely facing discrimination. It is important to gather as much evidence as possible, which typically includes documents as well as detailed accounts of unfair treatment.
With enough proof, you can file a report with the EEOC and seek damages. Reporting unfair and unjust treatment also makes it less likely for discrimination to happen to you and to others.
