Race (Racial) Discrimination in the Workplace
The law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees because of their race. Even unintentional discrimination may be illegal if it tends to harm persons of one race more than persons of other races. The law also protects employees from discrimination because of their association with family and friends of a different race. However, an employer may make employment decisions based on race if it is reasonably necessary for normal business operations. For example, a theatre may hire an African-American actor to play the part of an African-American in a particular show. Both current employees and job applicants are protected from racial discrimination.
Some examples of race discrimination are:
- Although you have performed your job as well or better than co-workers of different races, you are paid less for the same work, denied a promotion, demoted, laid off, or fired, and they are not.
- Your employer bases promotions on the ability to pass a skills test, even though the tested skills are not required for the job. Co-workers of your race generally do not do as well on the test as co-workers of other races.
- Your boss helps co-workers of other races to perform well by giving them opportunities that he or she denies you. Or, your workplace has classified you differently from co-workers of other races, and this makes it more difficult for you to get pay raises and promotions.
- Your boss or co-workers make racial jokes about you or in front of you and otherwise harass you about your race, even though you have asked them to stop.
- You applied for a job, but the employer hired an applicant of another race, even though you were more qualified.
- You have suffered any of the above discrimination because you have family and friends of different races, or because you belong to a group that includes members of a different race.
Nichols Kaster & Anderson, PLLP has litigation experience in many types of cases, including race discrimination. If you think you may become involved in litigation with your employer, feel free to contact us.
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