"Discrimination in America": A Recent Study Among Many Groups

The findings of a recent study conducted in collaboration with Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and National Public Radio (NPR), reveal widespread experiences of discrimination across many groups in America.  This poll, the largest of its kind to-date, focused on personal experiences of discrimination in different areas of daily life as conveyed by the 3,453 men and women interviewed, including African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Whites, and LGBTQ adults.

 Here are some key findings of the Harvard poll:

·         Nearly half (45%) of African Americans experienced racial discrimination when trying to rent an apartment or buy a home

·         18% of Asian Americans say they have experienced discrimination when interacting with police. Indian-Americans are much more likely than Chinese-Americans to report unfair police stops or treatment.

·         Nearly 20% of Latinos have avoided medical care due to concern of being discriminated against or treated poorly.

·         34% of LGBTQ Americans say they that they or a friend have been verbally harassed while using the restroom.

·         41% of women report being discriminated against in equal pay and promotion opportunities.

According to the National Association of Employment Attorneys (NELA), rates of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in the workplace are much higher than those of other workers. Citing to the Harvard poll referenced above, NELA reports, “Among all LGBTQ Americans, at least one in five reports having personally experienced discrimination because of their sexuality or gender identity when applying for jobs (20%), when being paid equally or considered for promotion (22%).” LGBTQ low-wage workers, LGBTQ workers of color, and LGBTQ immigrants face even higher rates of workplace discrimination.’’

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision on June 15, 2020, making it illegal to discriminate against individuals due to their sexual orientation or transgender status, many LGBTQ workers who have felt the need to remain closeted at work can now have greater security knowing that the law can and will hold those who discriminate against them accountable.

Anyone who has experienced discrimination at work knows the stress that this involves to both the individual and his/her family.  This study shows that discrimination is not merely an “isolated incident,” but reflective of a larger systematic problem of discrimination. Seek immediate legal consultation when discrimination happens to you, for the sake of your own health and for that of the nation’s as a whole.