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Because federal law makes racial discrimination illegal, your employer may follow the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s minimum guidelines to keep from getting into trouble. Failing to be proactive can sometimes result in issues that are just as serious as perpetrating an act, though, so the company that employs you should have more precautions in place to protect you from discrimination based on your race and culture.

According to Chron.com, one effective way your employer can counteract the potential for racial discrimination is by writing policies that define the consequences of any such actions. It should give you the details about what action the company would take if your supervisor makes decisions such as denying you a raise, promotion or training because of your race.

Because it should not be taken for granted that your supervisors and co-workers understand what racial discrimination is, the company should offer training to define it and provide examples so that anyone can identify it. Instruction should include an explanation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which is the federal law prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.

If your employer offers training in cultural awareness, it may have an even greater impact on the day-to-day behaviors of the people you work with. Learning to recognize and value the contributions each of you make is likely to improve everyone’s ability to work together smoothly and to appreciate how differences enhance the company. This information about racial discrimination prevention techniques is educational in nature, and should not be interpreted as legal advice.