You can be treated less favorably in the workplace based on your national origin or that of your ancestor. You may denied a job, promotion, fair compensation or training opportunity.
Here is what to know about this form of discrimination:
How does it happen?
Discrimination based on national origin can take different forms. These include offensive or derogatory remarks about your national origin, the use of ethnic slurs and other verbal and physical conduct focused on your national origin.
An employer making a decision based on your accent may also be considered discrimination based on national origin. For example, not hiring you for a customer service role because you have a foreign accent or denying you duties related to handling clients directly solely because of your accent.
You should also pay attention to the questions asked during an interview, as some can be discriminatory. You should be concerned if an employer asks where you were born, where your parents are from or how long you have been in the United States. These questions directly inquire about your national origin. Thus, it may be unlawful for an employer to make a hiring decision based on them.
Are there exceptions?
While you are protected from discrimination based on national origin, there are exceptions. For starters, an employer may inquire about your fluency in English if English proficiency is necessary for the effective performance of the job. Simple teasing and offhand comments may also not necessarily be unlawful.
If you believe a co-worker or senior (including those from your ethnic group) discriminated against you based on your national origin, learn more about your case to determine how to protect yourself.