Discrimination has been a hot topic of conversation, in the news and part of conversations in our workplaces for many years. It’s a concept that’s been around for centuries, but it’s important that we never gloss over its meaning – and what it means if we find someone has been discriminated against.
To put it simply, discrimination is the act of treating a person differently, in an unfair, prejudicial or hostile manner, on the basis of their race, religion, sex, age, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor perceived to be a ‘minority’ trait. This kind of discrimination involves treating persons differently than others in the same circumstances – in terms of how they are hired, fired, or compensated, or providing them with access to services or facilities provided by an organization.
Discrimination can also come in the form of oppressive language or speech, where a person is targeted with an unfair or derogatory language or comments. Some situations are subtle, and may not be recognizable as discrimination at first – such as providing access to an employer’s health insurance plan, but only providing it to certain people based on their race, religion, sex, etc.
Unfortunately, too often, these discriminatory practices endure within businesses and organizations. That’s why it’s important to recognize and speak out against discrimination in the workplace. By recognizing and confronting discrimination in the workplace we can ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect, and that everyone is able to reach their potential, regardless of their background.