Include an anti-discrimination policy in your employee handbook

Use the employee handbook to explain to employees and managers what actions are discriminatory. An employee handbook and policies provide a basis for handling and addressing complaints of racial discrimination. Include a policy against retaliation in your employee handbook and have it read by racial discrimination lawyers.

I recommend: Use onsite workshops on diversity from Business Training Media to foster respect in the workplace. See a sample anti-discrimination policy at HR Stuff to use when writing your own.

Train all employees to prevent race discrimination in business

The key to avoiding racial discrimination is prevention. Teach racial sensitivity and diversity through workshops, seminars and other training tools. Handle all complaints in an appropriate manner to reduce your liability. Document your findings and get the services of racial discrimination lawyers early on to avoid making costly mistakes.

I recommend: Downloading an anti-discrimination checklist from Inc.com to investigate claims. Request a postable U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) fact sheet on racial discrimination for your company.

Obtain educational resources about racial discrimination in business

Racial discrimination on the job is illegal with federal and state laws in place to protect individuals. If your small business managers and employees are aware of discriminatory practices you can protect your company against legal action.

I recommend: Sign up and track the progress of multiple employees with online courses in diversity from SHRM e-Learning. Subscribe to online DiversityInc Magazine for best practices and guidance to handling workplace discrimination.