Race-based mistreatment at work affects thousands of employees every year. Washington state gives you some of the strongest legal protections in the country and knowing them can help you act with confidence.
What racial discrimination at work looks like
Discrimination is not always loud or obvious. It often shows up in patterns: who gets promoted, who gets passed over and how complaints are handled.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Washington’s Law Against Discrimination, employers cannot treat you differently based on race, color or national origin. The Washington Law Against Discrimination applies to employers with eight or more employees, a lower threshold than federal law. Common forms of racial discrimination include:
- Hiring and pay: Being denied a job or paid less than peers in similar roles.
- Promotions: Passed over repeatedly in favor of less-qualified colleagues.
- Harassment: Racial slurs, offensive jokes or derogatory remarks about your background.
- Disparate discipline: Being held to a stricter standard than coworkers of other races.
These actions are illegal whether they come from a supervisor, a coworker or even a client.
How to document and report what happened
Strong documentation can determine the outcome of a discrimination claim. Start a private record as soon as you notice a pattern. Your record should include:
- Dates and times: Log each incident as soon as it happens.
- Exact language: Write down what was said or done word for word.
- Witnesses: Note who else was present.
- Impact: Describe how the incident affected your work or well-being.
After you document, follow your company’s internal complaint process. Keep copies of every written exchange.
Where to file a formal complaint
If your employer does not act or retaliates against you, you may file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You must file within 180 days of the incident. Washington’s Human Rights Commission handles state-level claims under the WLAD.
Next steps if you’ve experienced workplace discrimination
Racial discrimination cases can be difficult to navigate without legal guidance. An attorney can help you evaluate your documentation and understand your options. Speaking with an attorney may clarify how Washington and federal protections apply to your situation.