My niece was interviewed for a position with about 70% travel to eastern Europe, mostly the former Soviet Union and Russia.
She had an excellent phone interview and was flown to the organization's headquarters for a panel.
Well, my niece is Black. Apparently the organization was unaware of this.
While no one on the panel directly stated that she wouldn't get the job because she's Black, she said that throughout the interview, panelists warned her that the skinhead activity is very strong in certain areas and if she would be concerned about her safety, if she were to get the position. They also mentioned that it would be a concern for them.
My niece did not get the job. She called to ask why and they said that while she was very impressive, they found a more suitable candidate.
My sister is a labor attorney and she believes that niece should sue on the basis of discrimination...if she was offered the job then she would have taken it.
I think that it would be hard to prove, especially since there could have been a more qualified candidate. I also think that the whole thing is a blessing in disguise, because I don't think any of us would want her in eastern Europe for 70% of the year.
Should she just drop it?
ETA: She's traveled to eastern Europe many times for a previous position and college travel. She had a previous run-in at a nightclub in Estonia, thus was fully aware of the potential hazards in taking the job. Knowing what she knows, she still wanted the position and would have accepted had it been offered.
Edited by BeatriceBean - Feb 20 2013 at 3:13pm