Ideally, all workplaces should be free of any form of discrimination. However, reality falls short of this, with workplace discrimination on the rise. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the government agency responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination, reported a staggering increase in discrimination charges in 2022. The EEOC recorded over 70,000 new cases in 2022 alone —a significant surge compared to the previous year.
For those experiencing workplace discrimination, the experience can feel like an uphill battle. The stress and emotional toll can become overwhelming, and the thought of quitting may cross your mind. However, before making any hasty decisions, it’s essential to be informed about your rights and the steps you can take to protect them.
Quitting your job may not be the best course of action
One of the reasons you ought to stay put is to leverage the legal protections available to you. Various laws, such as the Civil Rights Act, prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion and disability. Quitting may limit your ability to seek legal recourse or pursue a discrimination complaint through the appropriate channels.
It will also be difficult to gather relevant evidence when you can no longer access your workplace. For instance, it can be near impossible to access correspondence like work emails that point to discrimination if you are no longer an employee. Additionally, your colleagues may hesitate to testify on your behalf when you resign as you no longer identify as workmates.
There is also the risk of facing financial hardship or a stalled career if you quit in a huff without a backup plan. Potential employers may also perceive you negatively, especially if you resign based on unsubstantiated discrimination claims.
Protect your legal rights and interests
Staying strong and informed is your best path forward in the fight against workplace discrimination. It also helps to seek qualified legal assistance to understand your rights and pursue the appropriate channel for addressing discrimination, ultimately increasing your chances of a favorable resolution.