When you file a race discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency tasked with investigating discrimination claims in American companies, you need to provide evidence to prove that you have experienced discrimination and that it has negatively affected your ability to perform your job. Simply stating that you are a victim is not enough – you need to provide tangible examples of your experience and how it had an impact on your earning capability.
Evidence to Prove your Claim
If you suspect you are a victim of race discrimination, keep a log of every incident you encounter that feels discriminatory. Print out any electronic instances of discrimination, such as language found in emails or within your employee portal. For verbal incidences, keep dated notes in a secure notebook. Keep all of your documentation together to use when you bring it to the necessary parties to address your case.
Where to Take your Claim
The first party with whom you discuss your experience needs to be your supervisor. This is true whether your supervisor is the one acting in the discriminatory manner or if you are experiencing it from others. Your supervisor’s job involves upholding your company’s policies and federal and state laws to protect the people he or she manages.
Document your discussion with your supervisor and keep this with your notes. If you need to take your case further, you will need to show that you tried to correct the issue with your supervisor first.
The next step is your company’s Human Resources department. Bring your notes to the department and discuss your experience with one of the individuals within it – Human Resources’ job is to enforce all health and safety laws and ensure that violations and administrative oversights do not derail the company’s ability to be productive.
If your company cannot resolve your issue internally, it is time to seek help from an outside source. Discuss your experiences with an experienced employment lawyer who can help you file a claim with the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate your claim and if it determines that you are a victim of race discrimination, determine an appropriate settlement for your damages.
Work with an Experienced Employment Lawyer
Working with a lawyer is something you should only consider if you are unable to resolve your race discrimination issue within your company. But if this is the case, do not shy away from seeking legal aid. Contact an experienced employment lawyer at the Pearce Law Firm, P.C. to discuss your rights and legal options. You do not have to be a victim of discrimination. Be proactive and take a stand against race discrimination at your company.