Racial discrimination has consistently been an issue throughout history, both in the workplace and outside of it. The government has laws that protect employees from being racially discriminated against. Whether that mistreatment reveals itself in hiring, firing, lack of compensation, harassment, or other workplace procedures, employees have the right to speak up and fight back.
If you believe someone at work has racially discriminated against you, you can file an official claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and take steps to hold your employer legally liable. Filing a claim can prevent further mistreatment and may provide you with other remedies for your suffering. A federal employment lawyer from Snider & Associates, LLC can guide you through the claims process.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the primary federal law making it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on sex, color, race, religion, or national origin. This law applies to all employers with fifteen or more employees, including federal, local, and state governments. Even employees working for private companies are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Racial discrimination can happen in many ways, and it’s important to document this mistreatment whenever you notice it; that way, you’ll have evidence to support your claim later. If you’re denied a promotion, a pay raise, or a specific benefit because of your race, then your employer is discriminating against you.
Racial discrimination can also include offensive jokes, snide remarks, or harassment related to your race, culture, or skin color. When an instance of racial discrimination happens at work, try to confide in a coworker or manager so you have a strong witness for your claim.
To file an official claim for racial discrimination, you can make your claim online or at your local EEOC office. It’s likely that your state protects you against racial discrimination, as well, so if you want to file with your state’s agency, then you have the option to do so. When filing your claim through the EEOC, the EEOC will give you the option to go to mediation to try to resolve the issue with your employer.
If the issue can’t be addressed through mediation, then the EEOC will investigate your claim and determine whether racial discrimination has occurred. Remedies may be awarded or, if you aren’t happy with the EEOC’s decision, then you can request an appeal or request a notice for a right to sue.
Whether you choose to escalate your race discrimination claim with the EEOC or file a private lawsuit, having an experienced attorney by your side can make the process less stressful. At Snider & Associates, LLC, we understand the claims process, and we can help you get the respect you deserve.
To speak with a federal employment discrimination lawyer from our team, call 410-653-9060 to schedule a consultation or visit our website for more information.
