Janet Conney jury verdict over UCLA for discrimination

1) Keep your eyes and ears open. If you begin to feel you are being treated unfairly or that your environment is becoming hostile, pay attention to that. Your instincts are correct!

2) Start documenting everything. Begin by saving e-mails and other paper documents in a safe folder on your computer and printed out in a secret file folder. Do not rely on the telephone or even in-person contact when communicating to your boss or H.R.. Always ask questions in writing on e-mail. This way you will have protected yourself with a paper trail.

3) You are not paranoid! If someone suggests you are, they may be influenced by those who are discriminating against you. Once the unfairness begins, the hostility quickly escalates. An environment to discredit you will begin to take shape with many others jumping on the bandwagon.

4) Contact H.R. early and often. Always follow up with them and your boss in writing. Save everything. I can't stress this enough. Saving all documents was instrumental in the jury ruling against UCLA.

5) If you are not making progress with your boss or the Human Resource department, you need to write a succinct letter with some legal terms. You can download a sample of the letter I wrote below. Don't be afraid to be assertive and stand up for yourself. Do not feel timid.

6) Going through the legal process and trial, is not what I would recommend. It took 5 years of my life and wrecked both emotional and financial havoc. From this experiences, I learned how often employers violate laws! They do it because they believe we as employees won't speak up or fight back. I am even a Medical Doctor and I had trouble fighting back. Try other steps first.

7) If H.R. cannot resolve the issue within 60 days, file a complaint with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Center or California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Do not let this drag on; your employer is counting on you giving up and being demoralized.