What Is Racial Discrimination In The Workplace

995 Words4 Pages

Racism is a reality in our society that affects all people. Although, it is often racism that continues to shatter hopes and destroy dreams. America remains saddened by racial discrimination to this day. Racial discrimination limits the success and opportunities of people of color as opposed to whites. The historic legacy of discrimination continues to weigh on in the present day, throughout the life of Americans. This discrimination has been taken into what was once a relaxed and friendly environment, known as the workforce. The workplace, as well as, its structure and the organizations as a whole, is exposed to general rule of the state. Society as civil as it is, and its intended relations, do in fact have, an important purpose in the …show more content…

However, racial discrimination can frequently be restrained and even harder to detect, such as the failure of an employer to hire or promote any individual in justification of their race. One of the more difficult aspects of racial discrimination at work, is that it can often take place entirely undetected. After all, unless an employer specifically admits otherwise, who can say for sure why they made a particular decision to hire a certain individual or gave another a promotion? That said, there are some instances where an employer may display some discriminatory …show more content…

If an employer does so, and decides not to hire this employee, it may serve as evidence that race played a role in the decision. Such circumstances are rare, however, and it should also be noted that employers may permissibly ask about race in the context of forms and affirmative action programs, so long as they play no part in the decision-making process.

More often, discrimination is far more subtle, and an individual will have no certainty as to why they weren 't hired, unlike the example above. Asking the employer is an option, but employers could offer any viable reason that is not based on race. However, it may be possible to use hiring trends as evidence of racial discrimination. Alternatively, if a lesser-qualified individual is hired or promoted to a position than an employee or applicant of another race, this could also be used as evidence of discrimination.

Lastly, employers may be discriminating and not even realize it! Some employers institute hiring practices, tests, or workplace policies that single out or have a greater effect on certain races. If not done for a legitimate business purpose or properly validated, such practices could be considered racial discrimination should a claim be

Open Document