I work in a corporation where the majority of the people in my department are black. There's this manager and director that works hand in hand to discriminate and intimidate. For example the manger always uses racial undertones or black slangs when speaking to the blacks. She will not promote a qualified black over an under qualified white person. When this issue was brought to her attention she stated "if ya'll don't like it get another job." She once wore an afro wig to work for Halloween. (she's white) She along with the director, also, uses the threat of losing your job to intimidate some of the blacks to tell on one another. Which will get you a promotion if there's no white to promote. If you speak out about these issues you then become a target and then harrassed for tedious things which whites are not harrassed over. Someone once sent an email out that the company found to be inappropriate for business. The person that sent the email (black) was suspended. The people that received the email (blacks) were put on informal counseling for not bringing it to management attention. Also, please advise what can be done if there are no notices posted by the employer advising the employees of their rights under the laws EEOC enforces and their rights to be free from retaliation. This company has previously been sued for not hiring blacks. Now they hire blacks and mistreat them. And.......it's a whole lot more stories to tell. But do tell me if these instances I have given to you is legal.

Broken in Texas :(

Does your employer have at least 15 employees? If not, they will not be covered under federal discrimination law. If they do have at least 15 employees, then the actions you describe are definitely discriminatory. You and the others can file a charge against your employer. You can read more about discrimination and how to file a charge at eeoc.gov.

Also, as an fyi, you are protected from retaliation for filing a complaint against your employer.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Yes, my employer has over 15 employees. Also, please advise what can be done about no notices being posted advising the employees of their rights that's covered by the laws EEOC enforces. And how much documentation will be needed if any.

Broken in Texas :(

I encourage you to contact the EEOC and file a complaint. They will do the investigation, including working with you, other employees and your employer in gathering documentation, talking to witnesses, etc.

And, yes, federal law requires that a poster describing the laws against discrimination must be posted. For employers who may be reading this message, you can get posters by clicking on the link above where it says "Get the Latest Labor Law Posters. Call -1-800-745-9970."

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

One other questions. Can the people who where placed on informal counceling refuse to sign for that incident without being fired? It is my knowledge they were advise in the handbook that they were to inform management about emails that where inappropriate for business. Well another question, is their constitutional rights being violated if they refuse not to report it and then are force to with the threat of losing their jobs? Texas has the "employment at will" law.

I am posting in reply to your questions above. But I post more questions that perhaps will help me in the future. I am in a supervisory role in my workplace, and one thing I noticed is that you referred to your supervisor using black slang while speaking to black employees. I am white, and occasionally I use slang that everyone I work with speak every day. I don't know that I would characterize it as being either black, or white, hispanic or anything, but rather just slang of our times.

Is it offensive to persons of African Heritage for an individual of European Heritage to speak in a slang that may be primarily used by one race or another??? And even more the question to me would be, is that a violation of someone's civil rights for a supervisor to use that type of slang, even if that supervisor is only attempting to try to fit in with the individuals he/she works with? I am speaking only for myself, as I cannot speak at for the supervisor you are speaking of...... I would hope that no one would make the type of comments that you have said were made.... but perhaps I live in a bubble of denial too......

Sincerely confused about race issues

Heh. Needless to say, some people would be offended by that, others wouldn't. What I can tell you is that you are making a good enough argument that you aren't likely to be facing any problems from regulatory agencies. As you aptly point out, that would be a tad absurd.