Professional Bigotry
Understanding racism in the workplace
Several years ago, the mega law firm I then worked for hired a Black female lawyer. She had just graduated from a major law school.
Top of her class. Smart. Hard working. Charismatic.
Week three into her new role she knocked on my office door and asked if she could speak to me. She already knew I cared deeply about equity and justice so felt comfortable confiding in me.
I was a partner, too, so her purpose wasn’t just to sound off. She knew I wasn’t afraid of good trouble.
On the verge of tears, she described how another partner just told her in a joking tone, “We all know how you got the job.”
I was outraged. With the new lawyer’s permission, I marched down to the managing partner’s office and demanded action be taken.
“This is completely unacceptable!”
Though the head partner promised a swift response, nothing happened.
Racism in the workplace today doesn’t typically come with a racial slur or someone slinging the “N” word around. It’s more complex and often hides behind the cloak of professionalism.
That’s why it’s critically important to identify the many ways it manifests itself so employers can be better equipped…
