Wisconsin employers have some work to do when it comes to dealing with discrimination. A recent study gives the state the dubious distinction of having among the highest rates in the country of federal discrimination complaints filed by Black, Hispanic and Asian workers.
In coming up with its findings, the University of Massachusetts Amherst reviewed thousands of discrimination complaints made to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Data consisted of complaints during the five-year period of 2012 to 2016.
Black, Hispanic and Asian worker complaints
Here are some of the findings – bad and good — where Wisconsin ranked nationwide:
- Black worker complaints: The Badger State ranked sixth in the country among states and U.S. territories with the highest rate of Black employees who filed discrimination complaints with the EEOC.
- Hispanic and Asian worker complaints: In each of these categories, Wisconsin ranked fourth in the country among states and territories with the highest rate of Hispanic and Asian employees who filed federal complaints.
- All races: In ranking 28th, Wisconsin was closer to the average regarding federal discrimination complaints.
- Workplace policy changes: Wisconsin ranked higher than most states – ranking eighth — when it came to implementing policy changes after a discrimination complaint. In the state, 13% of the complaints led to workplace changes.
- Retaliation: The state ranked 50th among the study’s 58 states and territories regarding retaliation rates. Roughly 34% of complainants in Wisconsin faced retaliation.
- Losing their jobs: Roughly 63% of Wisconsin employees lost their jobs once filing a federal discrimination complaint. That is the identical rate in the U.S.
Workplace discrimination continues to happen throughout the country. As you can see from the numbers, Wisconsin is not immune from such occurrences.
A legal advocate provides steady guidance
Employees who face any type of workplace discrimination must never accept this. Stand up for yourself and seek legal guidance. Alan C. Olson and Associates has guided hundreds of clients confronted by workplace discrimination.
