If I’m going to do anything, I’m going to pose If I’m going to do anything, I’m going to pose with my leg out. #thighsdontlie  #pose #wedding #ootd
You know I like to keep it F-R-E-S-H.🌽 🍅 🥒

I can do that as well as support local Missouri and Illinois family farms with @Dierbergs Homegrown.

Think of Dierbergs Homegrown as a Farmer’s Market inside of a grocery store. It has the freshest produce available locally. In order for the item to be considered Dierbergs Homegrown, it has to be picked, packed and delivered to their stores in less than 24 hours.

You’ll find everything you want from tomatoes to eggplant to corn to peaches and more grown by family-owned farms located in and around the St. Louis area.

Get the recipe for my Meatless Lemon Parmesan and Corn Pasta and learn more about Dierbergs Homegrown on my blog, link in bio.

#DierbergsHG #HomegrownProud #WeLoveLocal #Partner
Planning my grocery shopping trips has become so m Planning my grocery shopping trips has become so much easier with @dierbergs Rewards. Not only do I earn points for every dollar I spend, but with their Marketplace, my points go even further with free grocery items.

Dierbergs Rewards app is super easy to use and makes for worry-free shopping. I’m a fan! 

Find your store- http://bit.ly/DierbergsStore

#dierbergspartner #dierbergsrewards #dierbergssummer
This #essencefest was one for the record books, in This #essencefest was one for the record books, in more ways than one.  Nola will always be one of my favorite places to visit, and I’m looking forward to being in the place again next year. Until then…
My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. It’s very—different from years past, but I’m proud to be covering it this year. 🙌🏾
Awesome human. Magna Cum Laude. Editor-in-Chief. Awesome human. 
Magna Cum Laude.
Editor-in-Chief.
School podcaster.
Quill and Scroll recipient.
Citizenship award winner.
Spirit of Excellence  Award 8 yrs. running. 
Class of 2022. 
Job well done, daughter!
P R O M. That’s the caption. P R O M. That’s the caption.
You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar. 🎓#classof2022
Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! Laylah is off Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! 

Laylah is officially registered at St. John’s University and will begin her freshman year in August as a Public Relations Major. I’m so proud of her hard work and dedication—proud of the young woman that she has become.
  • Blog
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Legal
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • Home
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

The Cubicle Chick

Work. Play. Live Your Life to its Fullest Personally & Professionally

  • Home
  • Career
  • Style
  • Family
  • Travel
  • Culture

Featured, The Water Cooler, Watercooler · February 3, 2014

Cubicle Confessions: I Was Passed Over for a Promotion Because of Race


Cubicle Confessions

Cubicle Confessions is a series of posts in which I answer career questions via emails I’ve received. It has been awhile since I have posted one, but after receiving this query from a reader last week, I felt compelled to give my two cents from an HR management view. I also wanted to get the opinions of you readers, who seem to have good advice when it comes to submitted email questions.

This week’s Cubicle Confession comes from Kaleb* who currently lives in the South. He feels he has been slighted because of “racial politics” at work.

Here we go:

Dear TCC,

I’ve been reading your blog off and on for about a year now and I’ve been wanting to send you an email for months, and finally got up the courage to do so. I’ve been working for the same company in the IT department for over two years, and I’ve climbed up the ladder rather quickly. When I first began working here, it was owned by a different company. Now that we’ve merged with this new parent company, I feel I am being overlooked for promotions because I am black. In my department, there have been several people who have been hired after me, and two of them have been promoted and now are over me.

I’ve had exemplary reviews and have been given more commendations than anyone else in the department. My manager has said this many times in meetings. In over two years of working here, I’ve only missed 3 days of work, and that was because I got the flu. During the past year, I haven’t missed any days of work, and I’ve even come in on two separate holidays on my time off to handle an issue that no one else knew how to handle but me. And yes, that means the people above me didn’t know how to handle it either, and I am talking about those who received the promotion over me.

I’ve never been written up or had a warning. I’ve never been late. I am always punctual and on-time and I consider myself a team player. I’ve done everything asked of me and then some. I have been rewarded with several bonuses because of the job I do. But when it comes to being promoted when a higher level job that I am more capable of doing, I am looked over.

When I asked my manager during my last review why I wasn’t selected for the higher position, I was told that because it required travel, the higher-ups were afraid that if something serious happened in the center and I was promoted, then I might not be in town to handle it. I bought that story for awhile until I overheard his manager telling him that I should’ve been promoted months ago, but the parent company doesn’t have any minorities in management.

I love my job and don’t want to lose it, but I feel that I may need to consult legal counsel. What do you think?

First of all, I would like to commend you on a job well done. It seems as though you are the type of employee that a company would love to have (and reward). And it also seems that you have found a career that you are very happy with. So it is understandable that you are feeling cautious as it relates to making any waves regarding this issue.

Before you go the legal route, I would suggest that you have a CTJ conversation with your manager and their manager. That way, everything is above board and will be noted (if you have a separate HR manager, I would also have them in the meeting). Lay your cards out on the table. Let them know your thoughts. It seems to me that you have been relying on hearsay (perhaps) when it comes to this issue. In this meeting, let them know your concerns and your grievance. Be professional. Don’t be emotional.

If at that time, you aren’t given a satisfactory answer or response, then yes, please seek legal advice. I am not an attorney so I cannot advise you on if you have a good case or not for discrimination. But I can tell you with the information you have supplied, it does seem rather strange that someone with your exemplary record hasn’t been given a promotion.

It is against the law for any employer to discriminate based on sex, race, religion, ethnic background, age, or disability. But it could be very hard to prove that you have been passed over for the promotion because of your race. You would need actual evidence to back your claim, and if all you have is what you overheard someone say, then you could be fighting a losing battle.

Are there any other people that you know of that have been discriminated against at your job? Or parent company? has your parent company ever been sued of found guilty for discriminating against an employee? Do they have a history of treating their employees unfairly?

These are all questions that you would be asked by an attorney or legal representative. An employer doesn’t have to give you a promotion, however. But you mentioned early in your email that you have been given promotions before. I understand that it was before your company was bought out by the current company, so all of this does seem very circumstantial, but perhaps, needs some attention from an attorney.

You can also contact the EEOC (click here) and make a formal complaint. It is also against the law for your employer to fire you because you lodged a complaint.

And if you don’t feel valued by your current employer, you can start job hunting. I know in the past when I felt I had gone as far as I could with a company, I would begin seeking other opportunities elsewhere. Perhaps there is another company that would value your work and reward you with a higher position.

I wish you well and hope it all works out for you.

What do you think of Kaleb’s email? Do you think he is being discriminated against, or is he possibly over-analyzing this situation? How would you handle it?

*The name has been changed to protect identity. Email has been edited for clarity and length. If you would like to submit a question for Cubicle Confessions, please send an email to info@thecubiclechick.com. You can be anonymous and none of your personal information will be shared.


Related Posts

  • Cubicle Confessions: My Coworker Stinks

    In the latest Cubicle Confessions, I tackle a problem that a reader has. Her email…

  • Don't Be Afraid To Say I Don't Know

    We are taught that know-it-all's rule. The more you know (and the less you say…

  • The 10 Things People Complain Most About to Human Resources

    Being a Human Resources manager for 5+ years made me privy to a lot of…

In: Featured, The Water Cooler, Watercooler · Tagged: career, Cubicle Confessions, Human Resources, professional life

join the cube

You’ll Also Love

Download my 2022 August Desktop Calendar Freebie that will help bring some clarity to your wallpaper situation.New Beginnings + August Desktop Calendar Freebie
Gabrielle Union and daughter Kaavia grace the cover of the May 2019 issue of Parents Magazine. See photos and get the scoop.#MamaMogul Gabrielle Union and Daughter Kaavia On Parents Magazine Cover
If you are looking to find your support tribe as a busy working mom on the go, I am sharing tips on how to do so to help you personally and professionally.Working Mom Chronicles: How to Find Your Support Tribe

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

New Year, New Business: Reinventing Yourself with AVON

Advertisement


Hi there! I'm Danyelle Little, a St. Louis blogger, mom & former HR manager who now runs The Cubicle Chick full-time. This site is for those of you who like to get the best out of both worlds-personally and professionally. Learn more about me HERE!

Buy My New Holiday Novel

join the cube

Recent Posts

  • New Beginnings + August Desktop Calendar Freebie
  • I Was Always The Only Black Girl: My Story
  • Once Upon a Time: Throwback To The 80’s Mall Era
  • What I Wore During Essence Fest 2022
  • It’s Time We Give Mahogany Its Flowers

The Cube on Facebook

Reader Favorites

Work It Podcast | Episode 35

WORK IT Podcast · Ep. 35- The Power of Affirmations and Gratitude

Affiliate

Perdue Farms Special Offer

trending now

Load More Posts

instagram

Follow @thecubiclechick

If I’m going to do anything, I’m going to pose If I’m going to do anything, I’m going to pose with my leg out. #thighsdontlie  #pose #wedding #ootd
You know I like to keep it F-R-E-S-H.🌽 🍅 🥒

I can do that as well as support local Missouri and Illinois family farms with @Dierbergs Homegrown.

Think of Dierbergs Homegrown as a Farmer’s Market inside of a grocery store. It has the freshest produce available locally. In order for the item to be considered Dierbergs Homegrown, it has to be picked, packed and delivered to their stores in less than 24 hours.

You’ll find everything you want from tomatoes to eggplant to corn to peaches and more grown by family-owned farms located in and around the St. Louis area.

Get the recipe for my Meatless Lemon Parmesan and Corn Pasta and learn more about Dierbergs Homegrown on my blog, link in bio.

#DierbergsHG #HomegrownProud #WeLoveLocal #Partner
Planning my grocery shopping trips has become so m Planning my grocery shopping trips has become so much easier with @dierbergs Rewards. Not only do I earn points for every dollar I spend, but with their Marketplace, my points go even further with free grocery items.

Dierbergs Rewards app is super easy to use and makes for worry-free shopping. I’m a fan! 

Find your store- http://bit.ly/DierbergsStore

#dierbergspartner #dierbergsrewards #dierbergssummer
This #essencefest was one for the record books, in This #essencefest was one for the record books, in more ways than one.  Nola will always be one of my favorite places to visit, and I’m looking forward to being in the place again next year. Until then…
My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. It’s very—different from years past, but I’m proud to be covering it this year. 🙌🏾
Awesome human. Magna Cum Laude. Editor-in-Chief. Awesome human. 
Magna Cum Laude.
Editor-in-Chief.
School podcaster.
Quill and Scroll recipient.
Citizenship award winner.
Spirit of Excellence  Award 8 yrs. running. 
Class of 2022. 
Job well done, daughter!
P R O M. That’s the caption. P R O M. That’s the caption.
You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar. 🎓#classof2022
Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! Laylah is off Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! 

Laylah is officially registered at St. John’s University and will begin her freshman year in August as a Public Relations Major. I’m so proud of her hard work and dedication—proud of the young woman that she has become.
Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is.. Dan Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is.. 

Danyelle Little, the NEW Director of Marketing and Communications at @rungforwomen . Been sitting on this for a while—now it’s officially official. 🙌🏾

Work With Me

  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

join the cube

Site Info

  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal
  • Site Disclosure

Copyright © 2022 The Cubicle Chick · Theme by 17th Avenue