Have you ever experienced racism or homophobia or sexism (so on and so forth) and if so how did you respond to it? And how do you recommend responding to it?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

You kinda just gotta eat it if you’re not a part of a “protected class”

likesmart

I don’t think we get to decide that, do we?

Depending on what you have as proof they’ll need to be certain things that your attorney will tell you are needed to justify a case.

- Create a paper trail that highlights what occurred time,date, person involved and any witnesses
- Prepare yourself for the HR process that will start once you have voiced your concern
- Important before going to HR to have your paper trail started via email, slack messages with time and place or what works best for you
- This is so you are protected from retaliation as it will happen but disguised in very clever ways if wrong doing has occurred

- You’ll meet with HR, no recordings will be allowed, they’ll take notes asking about paper work that was submitted ( If some was provided ahead of time)
- After wards it’ll be damage control because organizations pride themselves on aligning with DEI efforts and initiatives
- The last thing any company needs is bad publicity the contradicts their core values and commitment to their customers
- Your company will then fire off an email to all company members or perhaps fire off a company wide slack message
- With resource links on discrimination or unethical treatment in the workplace

Speaking with various HR professionals they’ve assured me the process goes along the lines of this but will vary
- HR will start off by saying something along the line like,”Our organization prides itself on being Diverse and Inclusive …”
- HR will create the company paper trail for the company they represent
- HR is the mediator but has the best interests of the organization first and foremost
- They’ll investigate and see if there is enough evidence of some type of discrimination that has occurred
- Then either pursue or close the case

Good luck on finding a middle ground, if this has occurred multiple times then that just gives an insight into what is allowed within your company.

It’s hard for larger organizations to truly find the resources that are needed to handle cases. So it becomes a battle of who has more influence within an organization. Who has the more in depth paper trail and witnesses. This evidence becomes your foundation for legal actions if that is what you are willing to pursue.

HR is not your friend nor are they our enemy. They are there to help us how they can but within organizational constraints.

Here is a great lawyer that isn’t based in FL but that I’ve followed for some time. Good luck and hopefully you are able to find a solution to your current situation.

Lawyer YouTube Video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/3NlyLEMJrls?si=h1pbpY1k5nRdXDST

Lawyer Session on why DEI often fails:

https://youtu.be/mbfuJTIrcj0?si=UGIw09OL3iEfRPk5

likehelpful

In 2021, I filed a complaint with my University’s EO department, claiming that I had been the recipient of discrimination, sexual harassment, and deliberate indifference. My first complaint was dismissed because the EO director felt the white males were not members of a protected class. When I refiled under a new EO director, my claims were confirmed. Despite all the evidence, everything was swept under the rug. I was told unofficially if I dropped my complaint/kept quiet, I could avoid a legal battle I would lose/blocklist and retire in 5 years. Welcome to Title VII/Title IX enforcement in academia.

likesmart

They are EEOC. We have gone through three different directors. The first one filed a Title IX complaint against the university for discrimination and the university preventing her from doing her job. The second one didn't feel white males were members of a protected class and, therefore, could not suffer discrimination. She put policies in place that limited investigations. She was later quietly removed. The last director and assistant director both quit within two weeks of each other for “unspecified reasons.” That director had only worked for a year and four months. The director that lasted the longest (two years) was the one who didn't like white males. If that doesn't point to serious systemic issues, I don't know what does.

like

Yes and at the hands of my manager, her boss- DEI Chief Equity Officer, along w/the Deputy Chief of HR, and CEO.

1. Know your rights -- eeoc.gov is a good place to start. Another good resource is this person on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cF1fuFGTJk8?si=yhABr4OVsboOJf05. She lays out how to establish Prima Facie. Quick example based on my situation:
Discrimination- my boss perceived my known disability as being in relapse by saying that I did not seem like myself and pushed me to take a medical leave w/o reference to my job performance. The company then tried to deny my leave while I was in the care of my doctor's and threatened job termination multiple times. They also did not pay my short term disability for 6 months and delayed my return to work. They also delayed my inquiries into reasonable accommodation. When raising the discrimination concern, i was then told that my boss told the internal company investigating team that I seemed agitated which, as a black woman raised more concerns as I recognized my boss percieving many black woman as being defensive or aggressive whenever they (or I) respectfully disagreed with her. Upon returning, they isolated me from my team (excluding me from meetings) and denied me a previously agreed upon increase in salary bases on budget (not merit). Finally, I was terminated effective Jan 2nd.

The company has repeatedly told me that there was no evidence of discrimination or harassment, acting as though they have the authority to make that final decision - they don't. EEOC and other state agencies have that authority.

2. Create a meaningful paper trail - https://youtube.com/shorts/PxsKtySJMBs?si=5o9uclwjzc6oghSA
Additional tip here - create a joirnal/diary that provides you with your high level timeline.

3. Don't share your evidence with HR - they should be able to locate it, if they really want to know. Sharing it only gives them Additional opportunity to come up with an excuse around it.

4. If you've established prima facie, go ahead and start the EEOC Inquiry. This is a long process. I opened an inquiry in November with the earliest appointment to speak with someone in April. Also, don't be afraid to call EEOC and let them help guide you through the process. It is a lot and it has not been designed to help employees since these acts were written by folks wanting to keep power within the hands of companies vs the people.

There is new legislation being advocated for around the US - End Workplace Abuse - I don't think it fully solves the issue, but it's a start. It's gonn require people speaking up if we want to make any meaningful change though, so I am asking folks to please speak up. Write your local/state/Federal elected officials. Every bit helps.

likehelpful

You must be the very first one.

likefunny

Looking for an experienced employment attorney in FL now

like

Please consult with several employment lawyers who only work with plaintiffs, who have experience representing plaintiffs in your protected classes and in your industry. The consultations will be free, and can last 10mins to an hour. If they agree to take your case, you can negotiate with them on the fees—usually anywhere from about 30% of any ultimate award to hourly fees paid out of pocket.

It will be important to find a lawyer who understands the intersectionality of the issues you’ve faced, like the intersectionality of homophobia and sexism, for example.

I advise retaining the attorney as soon as possible and *before* you make any internal complaints, so they can advise you behind the scenes on what your legal and practical options are. They can give you a script or review any letter you write, for example, for any official complaint.

like

Yes, to 2 of 3. I made remarks back or took a long walk to cool off. Usually, the ladder until I got older & realized my worth.

like

Assuming this interaction occurs in a work setting, my rule of thumb is to always start with addressing the issue directly with the perpetrator before involving others. It may require leaving your comfort zone, but having a conversation about the issue while remaining cool, calm, and collected will typically bode well for everyone without the need to escalate further.

Based on my own lived experience, I find that people tend to say things without realizing the harm behind their words. In other words, ignorance with no malicious intent. This doesn’t excuse the behavior and of course there are people out there that say and do things with the intent to harm. I feel like most people though genuinely strive to be good and want to do better after realizing they’ve unintentionally hurt someone.

I look for a way to initiate a 1on1 interaction to say something like “Hey, I don’t want to make this awkward but something was said in this mornings meeting that made me a little uncomfortable and I was hoping you’d be open to us having a conversation about it.” You then let them know the issue, how it made you feel, and give them an opportunity to address it. If it continues beyond that point then HR should be involved but at least you did your part by informing them their words were harmful and inappropriate.

like

Related Posts

Anyone plays pickleball/spikeball around downtown or Washington / memorial park area? Recently played these 2 sports and they are hella fun and want to play more! Up for Tennis too!

like

What's the range for L10 Tech/London. Pretty disappointed with the perf discussion result and being told that I am already at the higher side of range☹️.

like

Pwc AC PwC Current CTC: 11.5LPA Experience: 4.5 Years . Designation:- Associate 2 How much hike and bonus I can expect in this appraisal. Working in PwC AC Bangalore.

like

Hi there! Hoping to go to law school for immigration law next Fall. I’m interested in business immigration (really to pay off debt and get stable financially) but eventually want to help refugees and asylum seekers in some capacity years later. Is switching areas of focus like that easy to do? Has anyone ever experienced something like this?

like

Hi all, I’m currently a solution architect with 1yoe and two bachelors degrees. I also hold two cloud certifications and make 60k a year. This seems very low considering what I’ve seen for average SA salaries for those who hold the AWS SAA certification. Was hoping for some insight on this and if I should seek more compensation. Thanks!

like

Any PBL for virtual learning ideas? English/Language Arts

like

Hi guys, Kindly help me

Post Photo

Anyone have a magic number that would make you give up freelancing and take a staff job? (New York)

How's the growth in PwC India Advisory? I know it's a very open ended question, but assume that one's joining as a manager with 6+ years of experience. Kind of looking for best case/avg case scenarios: if one's looking at becoming a partner. Assume all the other things as constant (politics/overall market growth)

like

Anyone up for watching the Euro 2020 finals this Sunday? M30

like

My only limitation are the need to sustain a life and time

like

So glad I’m leaving public!! Interesting timing but never too late

likeupliftingfunny

Can anyone help me with the first round questions of Airtel for a ReactJS developer/ Frontend Developer?

like
like

@GSK can anyone tell me about Haleon? Good company, culture, salary/benefits? Seen some open roles and I’m curious.

like

Hello, I'm a business analyst in retail banking domain, currently holding an offer at IBM, Virtusa and NTT DATA out of which the highest package is NTT DATA. Virtusa and IBM giving the same fixed component whereas in addition Virtusa provides 10% variable
Kindly suggest which offer to take up and suggest me based on your experience

My YOE : 5.5 years

As three of them provides me the same roles, not able to decide which one to go-ahead with

like

I’m starting at VMLY&R on account side and was asked if I want a PC or Mac. Not trying to be the odd one out - what do most account folks have?

like
like

Additional Posts in Diversity & Inclusion

I am frustrated as a Gay Woman who has given her all for 30+ years grinding to be the best. I have been in closet, out of closet, in-between and am tired of it. I want to be VALUED as a human being. I have gone from Rock Star to problem when people "found out". I have trained and promoted hundreds of people and been passed over for promotions because of not being a man. I have trained men with less experience, worse results only for them to move forward. If Diversity is important...prove it!

like

Hello!

I am being tapped to translate documents at work. I’ve done spot translation audits, and 1 larger Quality assurance document earlier this year, but was recently contacted about a potential large-scale translation initiative for next year.

Has anyone been compensated for these sorts of projects that would be “out of scope” for their role? How do you go about asking for compensation? Have any of you spun out and created translation service side-gigs?

like

Does anyone have any metrics/ benchmarks they could share on diversity hires? We're putting goals together for 2023 and our senior leadership wants 30% of all candidates interviewed and hired to be gender or ethnic diverse.

like

My company (biotech start up >50 employees) are looking to collect diversity data about current employees to provide to candidates when they ask about the company as well as to investors. Any thoughts on whether this is industry standard? What roadblocks to be aware of? Advice on how to go about this as meaningfully as possible?

like

Definitely took the wrong job. I was offered a seriously competitive salary and great benefits to work at a well funded startup, which is great! Turns out the salary and benefits were meant as lowkey bribes to insure I worked at the company without actually doing any work. Every single suggestion I've made has been shut down and I've been ghosted for several meetings with the CEO. What should I do? Just leave?

like

Searching for new ways to increase our inclusion efforts with our ESL team members. What is your organization doing? Any new and innovative ideas? TIA

like

Working on introducing ERGs at a company- how did your company decide the first ERGs to start with? How did they communicate the start of ERGs and roll out the structure?

I recently moved to Toronto from New Jersey. I’ve been applying with little success. I have a background in healthcare, non-profit, and public health. Any advice on what company I should apply to?

like

Hi, we just launched Diversity and inclusion committee at our work place and one of our many initiatives is to share some reminders /notifications about safety and inclusion in common employee platforms/portals e.g There’s no place or time when discrimination is acceptable. Please feel free to report to HR if you com across any discriminatory behavior. Anyone has any more similar ideas what other topics we can add?

like

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, The New Yorker released the transcript of a previously unpublished interview with James Baldwin, who gave a first-hand account of "Freedom Day 1963," a Black voter-registration drive in Selma, Alabama. Baldwin's descriptions from that day are so vivid and detailed that you can feel the fear and anger of the event. If you have a couple of minutes, I highly recommend you read it.

like

Hi everyone! I’m pivoting from working in politics in search of a role in DEI. I have 1.5 YOE managing multiple campaigns and a BA in Global Studies & MA in Ethnology. I have experience working in and with non-profits and a passion for people and culture. I’d love to connect to hear about your journeys & advice for an early career transition!

like

We all have beautiful names and we should all be addressed by those names and the pronouns that we identify with. I particularly like Erik and you can refer to me as He/Him or They/Them.

At MNP, we foster an inclusive and safe environment for all to openly share their pronouns. We respect the pronouns that you choose to identify with.

like

Been for a company for over 2years. The executive team is very much a boy's club. There are a few women in management roles but zero ethnicity diversity there. I raised my concern to HR in feb. And they are just now deciding to do something about it. They want me (white female) to put together a diversity committee. Any suggestions on how to go about it? How to attract volunteers to the committee? I want to make sure I get the right people involved in this, to push for changes.

like

I have often wondered if being honest when I fill out EEOC / diversity forms if that limits me from new work / promotions. I used to be able to hide my disability, but it is progressive so now it's not as easy to hide. Thoughts?

like

Hi all,

My boss makes jokes about me being from a different country whenever there is a work meeting or a gathering with coworkers, even though he knows where I am from. This usually occurs when I meet new work-related people or for example if I am in a situation that involves ethnic related subjects.

What is this? This is normal?

Stereotyping?
Racism?

The first time I ignored that, but now it has become a pattern and is bothering me now. I am south-American working in the UK.

like

What do you wish you knew before starting your career in Diversity & Inclusion?

like

I’m interviewing for a newly created position, Assistant Director of Communications & Outreach in my organization’s DEI office. This is the first interview they have requested after reviewing my writing sample. They didn’t say who specifically I would be interviewing with, but said “members of the DEI staff”, and it will be virtual.

What types of questions outside of my marketing/communications background should I expect?

like

Feeling very frustrated right now…company talks a big game about DEI internally, while requiring new hires to move to Texas/Arizona, while the company’s PAC donates to politicians pushing extremist, regressive, anti-woman and anti-LGBT laws

They want to encourage us to “bring our whole self to work” while putting us in situations where we can’t be our whole self.

Anyone else in a similar place, feeling discouraged? Any tips?

like

Question for everyone; what are some of the better job boards for underrepresented groups in tech? Non-traditional job boards that promote inclusivity and diversity hiring?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal