You deserve to work in an environment where you are respected, valued, and treated fairly. There are laws in place to protect workers from discrimination and harassment.

If you are facing problems on the job, that could be a violation of the law. How do I report discrimination in the workplace? In this blog, we will answer that so you can take action.

Steps to Take if You Experience Discrimination or Harassment

If you’ve been discriminated against or harassed at work, it could be a clear violation of employment law, both on a federal and state level. In these situations, you need to take action. You can take steps to address the situation and protect your rights. They include:

Document Everything

One of the first things you should do is start documenting the incidents. You will want clear documentation of evidence to show what has happened. This can help with future investigations or legal proceedings.

Here’s what you should document:

  • Dates and times of when the incidents happened
  • Description of the incident, whether verbal harassment, inappropriate behavior, or unfair treatment
  • The people involved, including witnesses
  • Your response, such as reporting the incident to human resources

This will help you remember the facts clearly and will be helpful if you decide to escalate the situation.

Report the Issue to Your Employer

The next step is to bring the issue to your employer, especially if the behavior continues to affect you. In some cases, reporting it internally can often lead to a quicker resolution. Many companies have protocols in place for handling these types of issues.

In most cases, you would report the issue to your human resources department or a supervisor. You should do this in writing so there’s a clear record of your complaint.

Once again, you need to be specific about the workplace discrimination or harassment you face. Use your documented evidence to support your case and ask for a formal investigation. Also, make sure to request action to be taken to remedy the situation

Employers are legally obligated to address discrimination and harassment. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to human resources or your supervisor, or if they do not take appropriate action, you have other options. Remember if you face any retaliation for making a report, that is a violation of the law.

File a Complaint with the EEOC

If your employer does not take the matter seriously, or you feel that you cannot resolve the issue internally, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC enforces federal anti-discrimination laws.

However, there are filing deadlines. In New Jersey, you must file a complaint with the EEOC within 180 days of the incident. If your situation is also covered by New Jersey state law (NJLAD), the filing deadline is extended to 300 days.

You can file a complaint online through the EEOC’s website, by mail, or in person at one of their field offices. They will guide you through the process, and you can request a copy of your case for your records.

After you file, the EEOC will investigate your case and may contact your employer to gather information. If they find merit in your claim, they may try to resolve the issue through mediation or legal action.

File a Complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)

If you prefer to handle the matter closer to home, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR). This state agency investigates discrimination and harassment complaints under New Jersey law.

The DCR enforces the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). They handle discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation.

You can also file your complaint online, by mail, or over the phone. Once your complaint is received, the DCR will begin its investigation. This could lead to a resolution or even legal action against your employer.

Get Legal Help

If you’ve tried all these steps and still haven’t found a satisfactory resolution or want expert advice on your situation, it might be time to seek legal assistance. Employment lawyers can help you understand your options and even represent you in court if necessary.

You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone

Dealing with workplace discrimination or sexual harassment is never easy, but you have legal protections in place and can take steps to address the issue. No one should have to endure harassment or unfair treatment at work. At Folkman Law, we are here to defend you against these inexcusable practices in the workplace.