Racial discrimination at work may happen when your skin color, facial features, name or cultural background affects how your manager, supervisor or coworkers treat you.
When such harassment is frequent or severe enough to affect your work environment or job status, it may be considered unlawful. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), actions based on race that lead to termination, demotion or a hostile work environment constitute discrimination.
The Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA), a state law that prohibits discrimination in employment, follows the same rule and examines how such treatment affects your tasks, schedule or promotion opportunities.
Workplace actions that may raise concern
You may encounter specific treatment by managers or coworkers that may reflect racial bias in the workplace. These may hinder your ability to perform effectively, grow in your role or remain in your current position.
- You may notice that you face harsher discipline than coworkers of other races for the same actions
- You may see coworkers of different races receive more pay for doing the same job
- You may be passed over for promotion while others of a different racial background move forward
- You may hear slurs or offensive comments directed at you because of your race
- You may be left out of projects or training while others of different races are included
If you encounter these behaviors repeatedly, it may be advisable to pay closer attention to them. Persistent unfair treatment like these may signal racial discrimination rather than routine workplace conflict.
Barriers to reporting and recognizing patterns
If you are unsure about how or when to take action, you can begin with documenting each incident. Keeping clear, detailed records may help you better identify any emerging patterns.
Seeking professional legal guidance can help you understand your rights as an employee and what actions you can take. You may also choose to file a complaint with the EEOC or the MCHR, both of which investigate workplace discrimination.
You do not need to face this alone. Taking the first step by documenting your experience or contacting a legal professional can make a difference.