Speak Up as an Ally

The EEOC defines racial discrimination as “treating someone unfavorably because they are of a certain race or because of personal characteristics associated with race”. If you are witness to racial discrimination, speaking out about the incident could make a positive impact on the person(s) affected. Remember that remaining silent in situations that cause harm is being complicit in the harm being done.

What are the benefits?

  • Addressing the situation may create a sense of support for the victim.

  • Starting the conversation about race could open doors for the conversation to take place outside of this specific incident.

  • Holding others accountable could foster a sense of community that ensures violence does not exist in the space.

What are the potential risks?

  • The offender could be unwilling to acknowledge and correct the harm they caused.

  • You could make things worse. Any potential power differences could make the victim a target if retaliation is a possibility.

How can I prepare?

  • Check in with the victim. Always put the needs of the person who was harmed first.

  • Do not facilitate unwilling conversation between the victim and the offender. If the victim doesn’t reach out to the offender, they might not feel safe doing so and should not be pushed to.

How do I proceed when I'm ready?

  • Ask yourself: Do I feel safe talking to the person that made the offense? Does somebody need support? Have I checked in with the victim?

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