CHAPTER FivE • Civil RigHTs 113
Anyone applying for a job may be subjected to a
variety of potentially discriminatory practices.
There may be tests, some of which could have a
discriminatory effect. At both the state and the
federal levels, the government continues to exam-
ine the fairness and validity of criteria used in job-
applicant screening, and as a result, there are ways
of addressing the problem of discrimination.Why Should You Care? Some people may
think that discrimination is a problem only for
members of racial or ethnic minorities. Actually,
almost anyone can be affected. Consider that in
some instances, white men have actually experi-
enced “reverse discrimination”—and have obtained
redress for it. Also, discrimination against women
is common, and women constitute half the popula-
tion. Even if you are male, you probably have femalemaking a difference
dEAling WiTH disCRiminATion
friends and relatives whose well-being is of interest to
you. Therefore, the knowledge of how to proceed when
you suspect discrimination is another useful tool to have
when living in the modern world.What Can You Do? If you believe that you have been
discriminated against by a potential employer, consider
the following steps:- Evaluate your own capabilities, and determine if you
are truly qualified for the position. - Analyze the reasons why you were turned down.
Would others agree with you that you have been the
object of discrimination, or would they uphold the
employer’s claim? - If you still believe that you have been treated unfairly,
you have recourse to several agencies and services.
You should first speak to the personnel director of
the company and explain politely that you believe you
have not been evaluated adequately. If asked, explain
your concerns clearly. If necessary, go into explicit detail,
and indicate that you may have been discriminated
against.
If a second evaluation is not forthcoming, contact
your local state employment agency. If you still do not
obtain adequate help, contact one or more of the follow-
ing state agencies, usually listed in your telephone direc-
tory under “State Government.”- If a government entity is involved, a state ombuds-
person or citizen aide may be available to mediate. - You can contact the state civil rights commission,
which at least should give you advice, even if it does
not wish to take up your case. - The state attorney general’s office normally has a
division dealing with discrimination and civil rights. - There may be a special commission or department
specifically set up to help people in your position,
such as a women’s status commission or a commis-
sion on Hispanics or Asian Americans. If so, contact
this commission.
Finally, at the national level, you can contact:Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
131 M St. N.E.
Washington, DC 20507
202-663-4900
http://www.eeoc.govThe American Civil liberties
union (AClu) often supports those involved with
immigration problems. This young man was held for 15 days
at a border immigration center in spite of the fact that he is
a U.S. citizen. ACLU lawyers proved to federal authorities that
he was a citizen by presenting his birth certificate. (AP Photo/
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