What steps should I take if I believe I am being discriminated against at work in Pennsylvania?
If you believe you are being discriminated against at work in Pennsylvania, you should take the following steps:
- Identify the specific type of discrimination you are experiencing: Discrimination can take many forms, including discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. It is important to determine which type of discrimination you are experiencing to help you understand your legal rights and options.
- Document incidents of discrimination: Keep a record of any incidents where you were treated unfairly or differently than others in the workplace. Record the dates, times, and details of each incident, as well as the names of any witnesses.
- Report the discrimination to your employer: In Pennsylvania, employers are required to have anti-discrimination policies and procedures in place. You should report any incidents of discrimination to your employer, either through your HR department or to your manager directly. Provide them with a detailed account of the discrimination you have experienced and request that they take action to investigate and remedy the situation.
- File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): If your employer does not take action to address your complaint, you can file a complaint with the PHRC. The PHRC investigates claims of discrimination and will provide a determination on whether there is probable cause to believe that discrimination occurred.
- File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): You can also file a complaint with the EEOC, which enforces federal anti-discrimination laws. Filing a complaint with the EEOC is a separate and distinct process from filing a complaint with the PHRC.
It is important to note that there are time limits for filing complaints of discrimination, so it is important to take action as soon as possible. Additionally, it is important to speak with an attorney who specializes in employment discrimination to ensure you are taking the appropriate steps and to discuss any potential limitations or exceptions that may apply to your case.