Being passed up for a promotion can feel like a rejection. It can be embarrassing, upsetting, and increasingly frustrating if it keeps happening again and again. Being discriminated against is never fun, and dealing with it in the workplace can be extraordinarily difficult. If you are a victim of promotion discrimination in the workplace, contact an Atlanta employment discrimination attorney to see how they can help.

What is Promotion Discrimination?

Promotion discrimination is when an employee is passed over for a promotion that they deserve based on factors that are protected under federal and state law. If you are a great, high performing employee that continues to exceed expectations and you are qualified for a promotion but just keep getting overlooked, there is a chance that you are experiencing promotion discrimination.

In Georgia, the following characteristics are protected from employment discrimination under federal and state law.

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Age
• Disability

What Are Examples of Promotion Discrimination?

There are infinite ways that discrimination can happen in the workplace. It is important to keep an eye out for discrimination or microaggressions and document any incidents that occur. Some examples of promotion discrimination include:

• A sixty year old employee being denied a promotion despite the fact that they are qualified and deserving, simply because management assumes they will not be able to understand new technology.
• A single mother being passed up for a promotion because the company believes she is not as dedicated to the company because of her children, even though she is one of the most high performing employees.
• An Indian woman being the most qualified on her team but the promotion going to a white man because the manager feels that he will be a better fit for the team they have assembled.

What Should I Do?

If you are experiencing promotion discrimination at work, you’re likely frustrated and angry. There are steps that can be taken to protect your rights.

• Make sure to review your company’s policies so you are familiar with the rules on not just discrimination, but also promotion processes.
• Document any cases of discrimination with as much detail as possible, including dates, times, and names of people involved.
• Document the promotion roles and your application or qualifications for each one.
• Speak with HR and ask them to launch an investigation.
• File a formal complaint if your meeting with HR proves fruitless.
• Acquire the skills of an employment attorney. Legal advice and representation will be important to ensure your rights are being respected.

Working with an experienced lawyer can prove beneficial to you and your discrimination case. Attorneys are equipped with knowledge of state and federal laws and will fight to ensure your rights are not violated.