If you go to your employer with an accusation of discrimination, you likely expect them to believe you and do something to resolve the situation. Often, this is not the case.
Employers may use a number of strategies to deny that any discrimination. Sometimes, they may just straight out tell employees that they’re wrong. Other times, they may try to explain how it could not possibly have occurred by pointing to other employees.
Sharing some characteristics does not make you the same as another employee
Let’s say that you are a Black woman who believes that racial discrimination is to blame for not getting a promotion. The employer may turn around and list all the other Black employees whom they have promoted to counter your claim.
But maybe it’s not just because of your race. Maybe it’s the combination of one or more characteristics that is leading to the discrimination. Perhaps, for example, your employer has promoted Black men. However, they believe that promoting you as a Black woman would be a step too far. Or maybe you are both male and Black, but it’s the fact that you are also gay that is causing the employer to discriminate against you. They might have promoted gay people before, and Black men — just not Black gay people.
However sure you are of why an employer is discriminating against you, they may continue to find ways to deny any wrongdoing. In that case, seeking legal guidance may be your best option to protect your rights and to get the results you need.