Throughout history, noted people such as Martin Luther King and Kofi Annan have spoken out against racial discrimination and have highlighted the need for people to work together to bring about true equality. There are many ways that people can be categorized and, in some respects, categorizing people is necessary. For example, medical studies are only effective when people are separated based on criteria that serves the study. But when people are separated in the workplace based on the color of their skin, then that is a situation that needs to be addressed.

Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day was created to highlight the advances that have been made in creating racial equality in the workplace and to point out the work that still needs to be done. As more companies and people join together to explore ways to eliminate racial discrimination in the workplace, it becomes possible to develop a sense of equality that is beneficial to everyone.

Statistics On Racial Discrimination In The Workplace

One of the ways to examine how prevalent racial discrimination is in the workplace is to look at some statistics regarding charges of discrimination. According to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there were 45,395 reported cases of racial discrimination in the United States workplace between 2011 and 2014. That makes racial discrimination the most common type of workplace discrimination reported in the country.

The U.S. EEOC is in charge of administering the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity laws, many of which are based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEO laws help to enhance the coverage of racial discrimination laws and give the workforce a more effective way to create a workplace free from inequality.

The Effect Of Racial Discrimination Laws

Prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the EEO laws, people who felt that they were victims of racial discrimination did not have much of a recourse for justice. Since the laws have been put into effect, workers have had tools they can use to seek justice from employers who limit employee opportunity based on the color of the employee’s skin.

Celebrating Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day is a way for companies to show that they understand the importance of offering equal opportunities to everyone. By taking part in a day like this, a company shows its employees that everyone in the company can work hard and succeed, which will inspire employees to be more productive and add to the company’s success.