Racial Discrimination

Racial discrimination in the workplace is unethical, unfair, and illegal. Despite laws prohibiting such practices at both state and federal levels, differential treatment based on race and racial characteristics continues to occur in many work environments.

Racial characteristics encompass:

• National origin
• Ethnicity
• Physical characteristics (skin color, body features, accents)
• Perceived race or ethnicity

Mediating Race and Discrimination: Exploring Legal Options

If you believe you’ve experienced racial discrimination or harassment at work, there are several paths to address the issue:

1. Filing a Claim with the CRD or EEOC

Racial discrimination violates state and federal laws. Initial steps may include:

a) Filing a charge with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD)

• State agency handling racial discrimination complaints
• Often preferred due to broader protections in California

b) Filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

• Federal agency addressing workplace racial discrimination claims
• Can be filed simultaneously with CRD claim

The Process:

• The agency investigates the charge
• You must exhaust administrative remedies before filing a lawsuit
• Option to wait for CRD investigation or obtain immediate right to sue
• Generally, a 3-year deadline from the last incident to file an official complaint

2. Exploring Mediation Options

Before pursuing litigation, consider mediation as a neutral approach to resolving workplace discrimination issues. A skilled mediator can:

• Facilitate open dialogue between all parties
• Help identify underlying issues and potential solutions
• Work towards mutually agreeable resolutions
• Preserve working relationships where possible
• Offer a confidential, less adversarial alternative to court proceeding

3. Understanding Your Rights

In California, you have the civil right to seek and hold employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. If you’ve experienced discrimination based on these characteristics, you may have grounds for further action.

Resolve Wannon: Neutral Mediation for Racial Discrimination Disputes

Resolve Wannon offers impartial mediation services to address workplace racial discrimination issues. Our experienced mediators:

• Provide a neutral space for all parties to discuss concerns
• Facilitate productive conversations
• Help explore creative solutions to workplace conflicts
• Aim to reach fair and mutually agreeable resolutions

Benefits of choosing mediation:

• Cost-effective alternative to litigation
• Confidential process
• Opportunity to address underlying issues
• Potential to preserve working relationships
• Faster resolution compared to court proceedings

If you’re facing racial discrimination in the workplace, consider exploring mediation as a first step. Resolve Wannon’s neutral mediators can help navigate these complex issues, ensuring all parties have an opportunity to be heard and work towards a fair resolution.

Remember, you don’t have to tolerate racism in the workplace. Contact Resolve Wannon to learn more about how our neutral mediation services can assist in addressing racial discrimination disputes and exploring your options for resolution.