The Validate & Verify Discrimination Guide was created as a starting point for those who think they may be experiencing discrimination. Our goal is to help you slow down, notice patterns, and make sense of what may be happening.
Discrimination Red Flags To Watch For
Discrimination often shows up as subtle shifts in how you’re treated compared to others. To help you identify these moments, we’ve included examples for four different types of red flags to watch for.
Biased Comments
Your manager calls you “the smartest woman on the team,” but they never qualify men the same way when giving compliments.
You disclose your pregnancy and your boss asks, “Will you actually be coming back after maternity leave?”
You’re over 40 and your boss regularly jokes, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” directed at you.
Learn more about this red flag in our guide The Comments, Questions and Jokes That Signal Discrimination Is Coming
Disparity in Opportunity or Feedback
A less-experienced coworker outside your identity group is given a high-visibility project you specifically asked for.
You’re passed over for training or development opportunities that others receive without having to ask for.
You consistently receive harsher or more critical feedback than peers who produce similar work or make similar mistakes.
Learn more about this red flag in our guide Favoritism vs. Discrimination