Racial discrimination in the workplace is a very real problem in the United States. Sometimes it’s easy to spot – but other times, it’s subtle enough that you’re not sure it actually happened.
So how can you tell if you’ve been a victim of racial discrimination in the workplace?
Unfortunately, in many cases, it’s impossible to prove that someone has been a victim of illegal racial discrimination. Unless an employer comes right out and admits it, or if the employer slips and shows discriminatory intent, it can be tough to zero in on exactly what happened.
However, there are times when it is obvious that an employer is discriminating against someone based on race. Some examples include:
The definition of racial discrimination is treating someone unfavorably because he or she belongs to a certain race of people, or because he or she has personal characteristics that are associated with race. Those characteristics can include things like hair texture, skin color and facial features.
Racial discrimination in the workplace can occur across different races or when both people are the same race or color.
The law doesn’t prohibit teasing, off-the-cuff comments or non-serious, one-time incidents. However, when harassment becomes so frequent or severe that it turns the workplace into a hostile or offensive place, it is illegal. It’s also illegal when it results in an adverse employment decision, such as someone being fired or demoted because of his or her race.
The discriminatory conduct can come from the victim’s supervisor, another supervisor, a coworker, or even someone who’s not employed by the employer, like a customer or client.
Some obvious examples of racial discrimination include:
There are a number of laws that prevent racial discrimination, but one of the biggest is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act makes it illegal for employers to:
California’s laws provide even more protection to employees. The Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA, applies to public and private employers, employment agencies and labor organizations (unions). Under FEHA, it’s illegal for an employer with five or more employees to discriminate against applicants or employees who fall into a protected category – and race is a protected category.
A few years ago, legislators strengthened FEHA by:
If you’ve been a victim of racial discrimination in the workplace, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
We may be able to help you recover damages.
Call us at 818-230-8380 for a free case review. You’ll talk to an experienced attorney who will ask you questions about your case, as well as answer your questions about racial discrimination in the workplace and what types of damages you may be entitled to receive.
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