Racial and color discrimination is a serious offense in modern workplaces, and employers are aware of the consequences of discriminating against employees based on their color. While most employers ensure equal treatment for all employees, some workplaces continue to mistreat workers based on their skin color.
If you are facing a similar situation and want to protect your rights, suing your employer may bring about the justice you seek.
What Is Color Discrimination?
Color discrimination refers to mistreating employees or treating them differently than others based on their color or race. Decades ago, color discrimination was common among social circles and employment sectors. People with darker skin were treated badly and offered limited work opportunities. With the passing years and increasing awareness, the professional world has improved due to the acknowledgment of employee rights.
However, some organizations still follow unethical practices when recruiting employees or assigning them roles in the workplace. In many cases, these biases often come down to an employee’s skin color. Speaking up against such employers is every employee’s right. You may immediately contact a free-consultation employment lawyer to seek legal advice for color discrimination.
Laws Protecting Employees Against Racial Discrimination
Racial or color discrimination is a serious offense guarded by multiple laws in the country. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act offers protection to employees against workplace discrimination. According to the law, employers with a minimum of 15 employees are prohibited from discriminating against them based on the workers’ age, color, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal authority that addresses violations of anti-discrimination laws. Employees facing color or racial discrimination at work can file a complaint with the EEOC for further investigation. Failing to devise a practical solution to the problem will provide you (employee) with the right to sue your employer.
In addition to federal laws against racial discrimination, different states across the country have local laws for suing your employer. You may thoroughly check your state’s laws about color discrimination to ensure legal protection. Seeking an employment lawyer’s free consultation may help you in this regard.
How Does Racial Discrimination Occur in Workplaces?
Racial discrimination occurs in various forms in workplaces. We have covered the common scenarios below to help you evaluate your situation.
Hiring Discrimination
Employers may only hire workers from a particular race or skin color despite their eligibility for the job. It is a common practice among some employers and can be grounds for a lawsuit.
Wage Discrimination
Employers discriminating against employees from a different race or skin color may pay them lower wages than those of the same race. There are no such constitutional laws that support paying other races differently.
Role Discrimination
Employers discriminating against employees from different races may assign them alternative or specific job roles, keeping them away from potential opportunities for growth within the organization.
Disciplinary Discrimination
In case of disciplinary misconduct, employers may discriminate against certain employees when taking actions (of penalties and punishments) based on their race or skin color.
Unlawful Termination
Employers may unlawfully terminate employees based on their race or skin color. The unique treatment can be legally charged.
How to Sue Your Employer for Color Discrimination at Workplace
Color or racial discrimination can have long-lasting impacts on employees. Such treatment can lead to poor mental health and self-doubt and restrict workers from performing their best in the workplace. Suing your employer for color discrimination can help you in many ways in your professional career. Seeking help from a free-consultation employment lawyer can resolve your problems.
How can I sue my employer for color discrimination? If you are looking for an answer to this question, here is what you need to do.
Collect Evidence
Suing your employer requires collecting evidence of mistreatment. Gather all the details, including photos, videos, and emails highlighting discriminatory conduct against employees from other races. Document the details with timelines to help your employment lawyer prepare the case.
Issue a Formal Complaint (Internal)
Before taking legal action, you may write a formal complaint letter to human resources, highlighting the details of mistreatment due to racial discrimination. If the department refuses to take action, you can seek an employment lawyer’s help to sue your employer.
File a Complaint With EEOC
If you do not receive help internally, you may file an official complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding the mistreatment based on color discrimination. EEOC will investigate the case and take further action based on the provided evidence.
Seek an Attorney’s Help
Seeking an employment attorney’s help can save you the hassle of seeking legal support against your employer. Your lawyer can prepare a case by compiling evidence and other details that may help you secure your employee rights.
Need Help Suing Your Employer for Color Discrimination? Contact Us!
Color and racial discrimination is a major offense, with multiple laws against it. Speaking up against unlawful behavior at your workplace can help you and many others protect employee rights regardless of race and skin color.
Bourassa Law Group is a reputable law firm with a highly competent team of employment attorneys. Our lawyers can thoroughly review your case and help you prepare well for legal representation. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case.
1-800-870-8910