Workplace discrimination based on a person’s race is illegal under the federal employment law known as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If an employer treats you unfavorably compared to other employees or job applicants because of your skin color or race, you can seek compensation and fair treatment. This brief guide below might help you identify such situations and what to do about them.   

How Federal Employment Law Protects Against Racial Discrimination at Work

What Are Forms of Racial Discrimination in the Workplace?

Racial discrimination can occur in many different ways. It happens when a company hires or promotes employees of one race but not another, or when they provide them higher pay for the same work and level of experience. Allowing employees to use offensive words or stereotypes about another employee’s race is another example. The appearance of racially derogatory or threatening symbols in the workplace is another form of racial discrimination.       

What Are Your Protections Under Title VII?

Title VII protects you from racial discrimination that may occur in a wide range of job-related contexts, including hiring, firing, job training, promotions, compensation, benefits, and discipline. All government, public, and educational employers, and private employers with 15 or more employees must comply with Title VII. Additionally, these employment law protections cover people working for labor organizations, staffing agencies, and certain apprenticeship organizations.         

What Solutions Are Available If You Encounter Racial Discrimination?

You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to address racially-motivated discrimination at work, including unlawful termination. A skilled employment law attorney can help you through the process. The Commission investigates complaints; its solutions include mediation, filing lawsuits on behalf of workers, and issuing letters allowing lawsuits through private attorneys.

Whether you work on an assembly line or in a corporate office, if you encounter racial discrimination, seek help from MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY. As one of the oldest law firms in Hudson Valley, their attorneys offer more than 130 years of knowledge and skill in protecting clients' rights to equal treatment in the workplace. These dedicated and compassionate employment law attorneys pursue justice vigorously, seeking the best possible outcome in each case. To learn more about their practice areas, visit their website now. Call (845) 343-3000 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.