How Can I Deal With Promotion Discrimination?
Posted May 1st, 2025.
Categories: Blog.
When you do not receive the promotion you were hoping for you will likely experience disappointment and sadness. However, if this is not the first time you are passed up for a promotion you might instead be angry. If you believe you are qualified for promotion but are constantly passed over, you may be experiencing promotion discrimination. Contact a Cherry Hill employment law attorney for legal advice and representation.
What is Promotion Discrimination?
Discrimination is the unfair treatment of a person due to prejudices. Discrimination in the workplace has been a major issue across the United States for decades. Certain classes of people are protected from workplace discrimination by both federal and state laws.
Promotion discrimination specifically refers to management or a company passing over an employee for a promotion on the basis of one of these protected characteristics. Not getting a promotion you wanted does not automatically mean you are experiencing promotion discrimination. However, if you are qualified and deserving but continuously are overlooked for people who are less qualified or not as good of a worker, there is a chance that you are experiencing discrimination.
Who is Protected From Workplace Discrimination?
Federal and state laws make it illegal for an employer to discriminate against applicants and employees based on the following.
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- National origin
- Age
- Sex
- Marital status
- Genetic information
- Disability
Even though it is illegal, workplace discrimination continues to run rampant in offices across the country, especially when it comes to promotions. For example, consider if a black man is overlooked for a promotion and it goes to a white man instead because management believes it will be a “better fit”. Promotion discrimination could also include a woman not receiving a promotion because the company assumes she will have children soon and that she cannot be committed to the position as a result. These assumptions are discriminatory.
What Should I Do if I Experience Workplace Discrimination?
After experiencing promotion discrimination, or any other type of unfair treatment, consider the following steps.
- Document everything: Include all evidence of discrimination including dates, times, witnesses, etc.
- Collect data: Collect information on every promotion you have applied for, what the role was, your qualifications, who received the promotion, and more
- Look into company policies: Check out your company’s discrimination policies and promotion processes
- Speak with HR: Contact HR or the appropriate department about your concerns and ask them to investigate the situation
- File a complaint: If the investigation is fruitless, consider filing a formal complaint with the relevant department
- Seek legal help: Discuss your options with a skilled employment lawyer
An employment attorney will have the experience necessary to fight for your rights and help you navigate the legal process. Contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Mark S. Guralnick today.
