What is Racial Discrimination at Work?

Racial discrimination in the workplace is illegal, but how do you know if you’ve experienced it? If you have experienced, what are your legal options?

What is Racial Discrimination in the Workplace?

Federal law and California law protects people from racial discrimination in the workplace. There are several statutes that prohibit employers and other employees from discriminating against another person based on his or her race or ethnicity – but unfortunately, some workplaces are rife with discriminatory practices.

Racial discrimination can occur when an employer refuses to hire you because of your race or ethnicity, or when you’re passed over for a promotion or even fired because of your race or ethnicity. It doesn’t matter whether you’re African-American, Caucasian, or anything else – employers cannot discriminate against you because of the color of your skin or where in the world your genetics come from.

It’s also illegal for employers or other employees to harass you based on your race or ethnicity. Racial jokes, off-handed remarks about your (or someone else’s) ethnicity, or any other form of harassment is also illegal.

For the record, it’s also illegal for employers to discriminate against people because of:

• Disability or perceived disability
• Sexual orientation, gender or gender expression
• Religion
• Family status

Examples of racial discrimination or harassment in the workplace can include:

• Jokes about a particular race, even if you have found them funny or have laughed at them
• Racial slurs or inappropriate names for certain races of people
• Comments about race as it relates to work, such as saying a particular race is harder-working than another is or that one is known for being lazy
• Being evaluated not on your work performance but on the color of your skin or your ethnicity
• Being passed over for promotion based on your skin color or ethnicity
• Being denied a promotion that you deserve based on your skin color or ethnicity
• Not being hired because of your race or ethnicity

There are several other forms racial discrimination can take, as well. If you suspect that you’ve been the victim of this type of illegal behavior, your best bet may be to talk to a Glendale employment lawyer who can evaluate the situation and help you determine whether you have a case.

Could You Be Compensated for Racial Discrimination?

If you have been the victim of racial discrimination in the workplace, you could be entitled to financial compensation that includes lost wages, lost benefits or other financial damages you have suffered as a result.

Call us right away at 818-659-8331 or 800-774-4163 for a free consultation. We may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.