Why Documentation Decides Discrimination Cases
Discrimination cases are won or lost on evidence. Employers will deny everything. HR will claim they investigated: the same dynamic plays out in workplace harassment cases. Without a documented record, it becomes your word against theirs: and they have lawyers. A dated record changes the conversation.
Types of Discrimination to Document
Slurs, exclusion from opportunities, different treatment than peers
Unequal pay, passed over for promotion, inappropriate comments
Being pushed out, "overqualified" rejection, younger hires getting your responsibilities
Denied accommodations, hostile attitudes, exclusion from activities
Forced to work during religious observances, mocking, denied time off
Demotion, reduced responsibilities, hostile comments
What to Capture
Building Your EEOC Case
The EEOC evaluates: was there discriminatory intent, is there a pattern, did the employer know, and did they fail to act. A dated, chronological record helps answer these questions.
Protecting Your Evidence
Never store evidence on work devices. Use a personal phone. Save copies somewhere safe outside work systems. If you're terminated, you lose access to work systems immediately: your personal evidence archive is your only record.
