Scenarios: Promotion

I was passed over for promotion.

Are most of the higher-level positions and promotions taken by men, while women remain at the lower ranks, despite their years of experience?

Have you been denied a promotion to a lesser-qualified male?

Does the boss only allow male employees to attend certain social events with clients, such as golfing, attending a baseball game, or going to a bar?

Has the boss or anyone else at the office remarked negatively on the fact that you have children and expressed belief that you are therefore unable to devote as much time to the office?

Has your being a mom been raised as an issue when you expressed interest in a promotion, or has your boss commented that a man should be promoted since he has a family to support?

If any or all of the above apply to you, you may have been denied a promotion on the basis of sex. If so, this is discrimination, which is costing you money. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act makes it a discriminatory practice "to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin."

It is also illegal for an employer "to limit, segregate, or classify his employees or applicants for employment in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his status as an employee, because of such individual's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin."

This means that it is an unlawful practice under Title VII for an employer to deny employees promotions or training on the basis of sex.

If you have experienced discrimination in promotions, find out How To Get Even.

If talking with the employer about the discrimination is unsuccessful, you can file a complaint with your state commission against discrimination and/or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Visit the federal law and state law sections of our site to learn more about your rights. Remember, there are strict time deadline for filing, so do not wait too long if that is what you decide to do.