Racism can keep good people down
in the workplace. Don't let it.
Racism in the workplace is a difficult subject to discuss, whether you're an employee or a manager.
However, it's important to tackle this issue head on if it arises, because it will only get worse and hurt more people if you do not. As management, it's your responsibility to immediately correct any incidents of racism that occur within your organization. As an employee, it's your responsibility to bring attention to any incidents of racism you witness, and to speak out on behalf of fellow employees who are victims of racism.
As Management
Step 1
Establish a clear policy statement about your company's zero-tolerance stance on racism in the workplace. Explain that racism is about more than just obvious things, like hateful jokes and name calling. There are two kinds of racism: overt and covert. Covert racism is more insidious and harder to diagnose.
Step 2
Analyze and identify institutionalized racist practices your company may be involved in without fully realizing it. Overlooking highly qualified people of color within your organization when positions of power become available is one example -- unintentional or not. This process will require a lot of honest evaluation and cooperation from everyone in your organization, and it may be extremely difficult.
Step 3
Develop a progressive corrective action system to back up your company's zero-tolerance policy on racism. Instruct managers to document any and all instances they witness, and inform everyone within the organization of the exact details of the corrective action system.
Step 4
Create an environment where anyone who feels they are experiencing racism in the workplace feels safe in reporting the problem. Like other victims of abuse, it can be difficult for victims of racism to talk about racist incidents because they are personal and painful.
As An Employee
Step 1
Document any and all incidents of racism that happen to you in the workplace or that you witness. Write down names, dates, times and detailed descriptions of what occurred. If you have physical evidence, hold on to it in a secure place, such as a locked fireproof box.
Step 2
Report each racist incident that occurs to your supervisor, union steward, or both. Talk about the incidents with anyone you trust, particularly if they have gone through something similar -- this can help you through an otherwise difficult emotional process.
Step 3
File formal complaints through whatever system is available in your workplace or union. If necessary, hire a lawyer who specializes in discrimination cases and file a lawsuit. Present the lawyer with all your documentation and evidence of the racist incidents that have occurred.
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