What is Unconscious Discrimination?
While many organizations have done a good job of recognizing and eradicating more obvious forms of discrimination it seems that the face of workplace discrimination is changing. Today’s EEOC is focused on pursuing unconscious (“systemic” or “pattern and practice”) discrimination cases. In FY-2006 monetary benefits for discrimination claims increased 30% to nearly $230 million. The EEOC’s new EEO-1 Report gives a more detailed breakdown of corporate diversity at different organizational levels than has been seen before, and the agency intends to use that information to uncover likely cases of systemic discrimination. What are some of the factors the EEOC is considering in deciding whether to target your company for an audit? • Your statistics with regard to hire, termination, and promotions Your diversity as seen against the diversity in your hiring area Recent cases brought against your organization alleging discrimination Recent, especially high-profile, cases brought against other or
