So I work as a manager (non-HR) at a big company and I was talking to our HR business partner a few days ago, and they informed me that one of my employees switched their status from White to Native American recently. The HR person said sometimes it's okay if the data was simply incorrect, but we both agreed this person was probably white and is trying to game the system. HR person asked me to conduct an informal investigation to determine if this person is actually white or Native American. How do I get started on this? I don't even know where to begin.
Sarah:
I suggest telling them that you don't feel comfortable investigating someone's self-identified race or ethnicity.
The employee is under no obligation to prove it to you.