Discrimination at work can leave you feeling powerless. You gathered the courage to report the incident to HR or management, hoping for support and resolution. Instead, you run into inaction, delays or perhaps even retaliation. Your employer’s failure to address your concerns does not mean you are out of options.
What can you do when internal reporting fails?
When your employer ignores your discrimination complaint, you need to take specific actions to protect your rights and build your case. Keep these tips in mind:
- Documentation: Keep detailed records of the discrimination incidents, including dates, times, locations, witnesses and exact words or actions. These notes are crucial evidence if you need to file a formal complaint.
- Written follow-up: Send an email summarizing any verbal reports you have made about discrimination. This creates a paper trail showing you attempted to resolve the issue internally.
- Company policies: Review your employee handbook for grievance procedures and follow them precisely. This demonstrates you’ve exhausted all internal remedies before seeking outside help.
- Witnesses: Identify colleagues who witnessed the discrimination or experienced similar treatment. Their testimony can strengthen your case significantly.
Moving forward with your discrimination claim requires understanding the official channels available to you when internal processes have failed.
External options for workplace discrimination claims
After exhausting internal remedies, you have several pathways to address workplace discrimination.
You can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division. These agencies investigate discrimination claims and may attempt to forge a resolution between you and your employer.
You should also think about speaking with an employment attorney who understands employment law. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your situation and advise you on the strength of your case.
Remember that strict time limits apply when filing discrimination complaints. In Texas, you typically have 180 days to file with the state agency and 300 days to file with the EEOC from the date of the discriminatory act.
Standing up against workplace discrimination takes courage and persistence. Your employer’s inaction does not take away from the validity of your experience or your right to a safe workplace.