What should I do if I face discrimination in the U.S.?
Facing discrimination can be confusing, especially when you are new to the United States. Knowing how to respond can help you protect yourself, stay confident, and get help when necessary.
What Should I Do If I Face Discrimination in the U.S.?
If you face discrimination in the U.S., the first thing to remember is: stay calm and protect yourself.
Being new to the country or not speaking perfect English does not mean you have to accept disrespect. You can stand up for yourself without turning the situation into a fight.
1. Stay Calm
Try not to react immediately with anger.
Take a moment to understand what is happening. Ask yourself: Is this person simply being rude, or am I being treated differently because of my race, nationality, accent, or background?
Staying calm helps you make a better decision about what to do next.
2. Speak Up
If you feel safe, clearly tell the person that their behavior is unacceptable.
You can say:
“Please stop.”
“That’s inappropriate.”
“That comment is offensive.”
“Don’t speak to me like that.”
“That’s discriminatory.”
You do not need perfect English or a long argument. A short and confident response is often enough.
3. Don't Fight Back Physically
Standing up for yourself does not mean getting into a physical fight.
If someone becomes aggressive, threatens you, follows you, or tries to hurt you, leave the situation and move to a safe place.
Go somewhere with other people, contact school security, or ask someone nearby for help.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Your safety always comes first.
4. Keep Evidence
If the situation is serious and it is safe to do so, document what happened.
Write down:
- What happened
- What was said
- The date and time
- The location
- Who was involved
- Who witnessed it
Save relevant text messages, emails, screenshots, photos, or other evidence.
This information can be useful if you decide to report the incident later.
5. Ask for Help
You don't have to handle everything by yourself.
If discrimination happens at school, you can talk to:
- A teacher
- A school counselor
- A school administrator
- The international student office
- Campus security
If it happens at a store, restaurant, or other business, you can ask to speak with a manager.
If the situation involves threats, violence, stalking, or immediate danger, contact campus security or the police.
6. Don't Let Your English Stop You
Many international students are afraid to speak up because they think their English is not good enough.
You don't need complicated English.
Remember these simple sentences:
“Please stop.”
“That's not okay.”
“Don't speak to me like that.”
“I want to speak to a manager.”
“I need help.”
“I'm going to report this.”
Being confident is more important than speaking perfect English.
What If Someone Says, “Go Back to China”?
You may feel angry, but you don't need to insult them back.
You can simply say:
“That’s a racist comment. Don’t speak to me like that.”
Or:
“What you said is inappropriate.”
Then decide whether it is safer to leave, document what happened, or report the incident.
Remember
Most importantly:
Stay calm.
Stay safe.
Speak up when it is safe.
Keep evidence.
Ask for help.
Report serious incidents.
You came to the United States to learn, grow, and experience a new culture. Being an international student does not mean you should accept discrimination or disrespect.
Know your boundaries, know when to walk away, and don't be afraid to ask for help
FAQ
What should I say if someone makes a racist comment?
What if someone tells me to “go back to China”?
Should I record what happened?
Who should I tell if discrimination happens at school?
When should I call 911?
Useful resources
- U.S. Department of Justice — Report Hate Crimes
- StopBullying.gov — Bullying & Harassment Resources
- U.S. Department of Education — Office for Civil Rights
- 911 — Emergency Assistance