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Summary of Question:	Racism At Work
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Monday, 2/10/2003 6:05 PM MST

I have a problem at work. I am working for a well known corporate company in the US, where they empasize training and development where your group members are supposed to help you. When I joined the company, my group members did not help me with my work. I had to struggle a lot. My team members made fun of me. I wear my hair in a bun, they would say indirectly to each ohter, why do people have long hair, a person should cut their hair. They would say that I walk like a duck, they would yell at me and were mean to me. This one girl would tell ohter people in my group, that they should not help me.

ON Friday, the manager gave me a verbal warning that I do not meet to their standard, and I should be careful of what I do. Managers also said next time if I make a mistake they would give me a written warning, and again if I messed up I would get fired from work. On Friday, I gave my letter of resigination that I am quitting work. I am hurt and very upset due to the people at work. I have to pay bills, but getting a job is very difficult now. I did not hurt anyone, I would get up very early to work and reach one 1/2 hour before everyone and leave work later than everyone else. I tried very hard and put a lot of effort, but my coworkers harassed my and they are the ones who got me in trouble. My coworker says they do not believe in Karma, but one thing I do not understand is that I have lost my job and they are still working at the company, and I fell they are still laughing at me. I do not know how long will it take to find another job. I do not know what to do.

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REPLY
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Sat Sri Akal,

Discrimination at work of ANY kind is illegal. You need to get legal advice to find out what your options. Look around your city for an attorney that specializes in work discrimination or something related. I also think (but am not sure) that the inital consultation is usually free. Another option is to get advice from the ACLU, I believe that they do not charge you (but not sure).

There also Sikh organizations that will help you out. You can visit http://www.sikhcoalition.org/ to see if they can help you out, or visit http://www.sikhmediawatch.org/ to see if they can help you.

I urge you to act on this, people need to realize that discrimination is wrong and illegal. Get legal advice as soon as possible.

Do not hesitate to let us know if you need more help or help in contacting one of the Sikh organizations. Good luck, and let us know how everything works out.

Gur Fateh,
HSD