What are Signs of Racial Discrimination in the Workplace?

Signs of racial discrimination in the workplace are prevalent in many work environments today. While employment laws have advanced and employees are more familiar with their rights today, as a society there is still much to accomplish.

Racial discrimination occurs when an employer discriminates against an employee based on race or national heritage. Examples of signs of racial discrimination in the workplace can include easily apparent issues such as racial slurs, “jokes” or noticeable advancement issues. Federal law prohibits race discrimination in the workplace, as does Florida state law. Title VII, created over fifty years ago in 1964, is the federal law that prohibits race discrimination. This law forbids discrimination when it comes to any and all aspects of employment. This includes hiring, firing, pay, promotions, training, work assignments, discipline and much more.

Signs of racial discrimination in the workplace can also include strategic and obvious assignment of work duties, belittling and condescending conversation style, and other forms of unfair treatment.

According to the Equal Employee Opportunity Commission, the federal agency that enforces Title VII, race discrimination is the most common type of workplace discrimination reported. In recent years, companies have had to pay millions of dollars to compensate race discrimination victims. Since the creation of Title VII in 1964, a number of cases have been brought forward.

If an employee finds himself or herself in a situation where he or she feels racially discriminated against or observes signs of racial discrimination in the workplace, there are solutions available. It is important to seek trusted legal counsel to learn your rights in your workplace. Your attorney will have answers for you and know how to deal with this difficult issue.

Racial discrimination does happen in the workplace. Understand that no one should feel uncomfortable in his or her own workplace. It is pertinent that we, as a society, work to prevent discrimination like this and, when we observe it, bring action against discriminatory practices. Do not wait to contact a member of our experienced legal team about your potential case.