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Why would an employer retaliate against a discrimination claim?

On Behalf of | Jun 17, 2020 | Discrimination |

Racial discrimination in the workplace remains a big problem. When victims of racial discrimination exercise their right to file a claim, they expect justice for themselves, and they hope no other workers will suffer a similar fate.

With counsel from an experienced attorney, justice is a real possibility when victims of workplace discrimination in the workplace choose to file a claim. However, for many workers, the fight for justice is not yet over. Retaliation on the part of employers or supervisors may occur in the wake of filing a claim.

Why would employers who are already embroiled in a discrimination claim risk even more by retaliating against a worker? A report published by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) points to personality traits as common factors in retaliation. Superiors are more likely to retaliate after a discrimination claim if they:

  • Feel like they are being judged
  • Believe that their job is at risk
  • Feel that their relationship with coworkers is in jeopardy
  • Know that the accusation is extremely serious
  • Worry about their future employability

Other factors that often play a role in retaliation include:

  • Lack of administrative policies that address retaliation
  • An authoritarian or dictatorial workplace environment
  • The ability of the person accused to isolate the worker

Victims of racial discrimination in the workplace often feel like giving up once they also become a victim of retaliation. Although it is easy to see why they feel this way, abandoning the fight for justice serves no one. By acting on discrimination, you can help others build a better workplace for everyone.