Whistleblowers put themselves at enormous risk by doing the right thing. It can be challenging to stand up for what’s right, especially when everyone else at a workplace is content to keep their heads down and maintain the status quo. This means when someone finally breaks the silence to shed light on an issue, they oftentimes don’t find themselves supported by the rest of their colleagues.
As a whistleblower lawyer like our friends at Eric Siegel Law can explain, whistleblowers don’t make many friends at the workplace. Sacrificing job security is the steep price of staying true to your values, and the threat of retaliation is very real. Fortunately, with the help of a whistleblower lawyer, you can make sure you aren’t punished for doing the right thing.
Read on to learn about some common causes for whistleblowers to speak out in the workplace, and learn more about how the right lawyer can keep you protected.
Civil Rights Violations are Inexcusable
Whether you see them in a professional environment, or you see them on the streets, a violation of another person’s civil rights is completely unacceptable. Our civil rights are granted by the US government: We have a right to free speech, a right to a fair trial, and a right to be protected from discrimination of all kinds.
Discrimination deserves Whistle-Blowing
Discrimination is – at its core – a civil rights violation, and it deserves to be brought to light whenever and whenever it happens. When people talk about discrimination, there are several protected categories to keep in mind. These protected categories include:
- Race
- Color
- Gender
- Age
- National Origin
- Disability
- And more…
And if you see someone discriminated against on account of these protected categories (or you feel you have been targeted on account of these protected categories), you have every right to make a stand against it. Unethical and downright illegal practices have no place in the workplace, and you should never feel too intimidated by your company’s culture and your colleagues to do what’s right.
Whistleblowing has Risks.
Unfortunately, there’s a reason people keep quiet. If an employer has a history of illegal or unethical policies, there’s a high likelihood they won’t think twice about punishing people who try to keep them in check. If you suffer retaliation in the workplace for calling out discrimination, you deserve a fighting chance against demotion, firing, or even just plain toxicity.
After you go public with information about unethical practices at your workplace, your managers and even your own colleagues may hold it against you. You should always lawyer up to keep yourself protected against any kind of retaliation.
A Whistleblower Lawyer Can Keep You Safe.
Whistleblowers have rights. If you speak out against discrimination in the workplace, you shouldn’t be punished for trying to make the world a better place. Fortunately, a whistleblower lawyer can protect you from retaliation, and can help you get the justice you deserve if you’ve been affected by discriminatory policies – or if you’ve been affected by speaking out against discriminatory policies.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a whistleblower lawyer, and get started on the long road to justice.