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      1. The White Paper for F1 Students
      2. F-1 Living in U.S.
      3. Socializing

      F-1 Socializing: How to Deal with Discrimination at School and Work?

      It is not uncommon for international students to face discrimination at school or in the workplace. This article provides a detailed guide on how to address discrimination through both school/company policies and legal measures.

      Despite the United States being a diverse country, discrimination based on race, gender, and national origin remains common. If you experience any form of discrimination at school or in the workplace, you have the right to protect yourself through school or company grievance channels, as well as legal measures.

      In American campuses and workplaces, accusations of discrimination, particularly racial discrimination, are taken very seriously. If you encounter discriminatory remarks or actions, you can directly point out that the behavior is discriminatory. In many cases, if the accused is a student, school staff member, or company employee, they may choose to apologize in order to maintain their academic standing or job.

      What to Do If You Face Discrimination at School?

      Discrimination by Classmates

      If you encounter discrimination on campus, it is important to avoid verbal or physical confrontations, as these can quickly shift the perception of the situation, potentially casting you in a negative light.

      • Step 1: Collect as much evidence as possible, including emails, chat logs, or other written records. If you consider recording the incident, be aware of state laws—some states require consent for recordings, and violating these laws may render your evidence inadmissible.

      • Step 2: Use school grievance channels. Most U.S. universities have DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) offices dedicated to handling discrimination cases. Some schools also have Title IX offices specifically for addressing gender discrimination. You can also report the incident to your program's Advisor or the Undergraduate/Graduate Director. Schools generally take such incidents seriously. If the claims are substantiated, consequences for the perpetrator can range from a formal apology to expulsion.

      • Step 3: If you are unsatisfied with the school’s response, consider reaching out to campus organizations for international students or external advocacy groups to apply additional pressure. You can also file a complaint with the state's higher education department to pursue further action.

      Discrimination by Teachers (such as giving lower grades)

      • Step 1: If your performance is comparable to that of other students but you received a lower grade, it is reasonable to consider discrimination as a possible factor.

      • Step 2: Gather evidence. Document any behavior from the teacher that suggests discrimination. Record specific details such as dates, locations, involved parties, and any comments or actions that indicate bias.

      • Step 3: Try direct communication. If possible, arrange a one-on-one meeting with the teacher to discuss the issue. Stay calm during the conversation and document the exchange in writing (ensure recordings comply with state laws). Present your case logically; the teacher might reconsider and adjust your grade if they recognize an oversight.

      • Step 4: If direct communication does not resolve the issue, escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the school’s DEI office or your department’s chair. When reporting, provide as much detailed evidence as possible to support your case.

       

      What to Do If You Face Discrimination in the Workplace

      In the U.S., discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, age, or physical condition is illegal. Laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) all offer protections for employees.

      Common Situations of Workplace Discrimination

      1. Unequal pay for the same job;

      2. Unjustified dismissal or demotion;

      3. Harassment and threats (verbal or physical);

      4. Not providing necessary accommodations for disabilities, pregnancy, or religious beliefs;

      5. Retaliation (e.g., blocking job opportunities, denying promotions);

      6. Requiring employees to disclose medical conditions.

      Steps to Address Workplace Discrimination

      • Step 1: Preserve relevant emails, copies of documents, or recordings (as permitted by state law). Record the dates, locations, and witnesses of any discriminatory incidents.
      • Step 2: Submit a written complaint to your supervisor or the DEI department, and keep a copy for your records. Once the complaint is submitted, the company cannot claim ignorance in any subsequent proceedings. Avoid signing any agreements offered by the company without first seeking legal advice.
      • Step 3: After your employer responds, you can choose to settle the issue. If you are not satisfied with the agreement, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for companies with 15 or more employees or the Civil Rights Department (CRD) for companies with 4 to 14 employees. Be aware that complaints must be filed within 300 days of the last discriminatory incident.
      • Step 4: The EEOC or CRD will investigate your complaint and mediate between you and your employer. In rare cases, these agencies may file a lawsuit on your behalf. If they do not, you will receive a “Right to Sue” notice, which allows you to file your own lawsuit. This notice is valid for 90 days.
      • Step 5: If the steps above do not resolve the dispute, you can file a lawsuit in federal court or with the office of your state's attorney general.