Race Discrimination Lawyer

These days, many people like to argue that we live in a post-racial society. However, those who experience workplace racial discrimination have indicated that this could not be further from the truth. Unfortunately, this type of discrimination is much more prevalent than many workers realize. In order for us to move forward, it is important to explore exactly what racial discrimination in the workplace is.  If you have any questions about this topic or about your situation please contact our race discrimination lawyer.

What Is Racial Discrimination?

Put simply, if someone has been treated differently due to their color or race—and this discrimination has occurred at their workplace—then they have experienced workplace racial discrimination. As you can probably imagine, this kind of discrimination can sometimes be difficult to identify or quantify. In fact, some of the people who are perpetuating this behavior may not even realize that they are consciously doing this. Some workplaces may have always been hostile towards those of other races or colors, but perhaps no one has ever stepped forward to tackle the issue.  Racial discrimination is a category of workplace harassment that is taken very seriously by the law.

There are many reasons why discrimination often goes unreported, which is why it is crucial for employees to contact a knowledgeable workplace race discrimination lawyer who possesses a nuanced knowledge of these treacherous environments. The only way to break the cycle is to explore every potential instance of this pattern.

Examples of Race Discrimination in the Workplace

Some of the more obvious cases of racial discrimination may occur when someone has been denied a position due to their race. Perhaps a job candidate has reached the final interview round and seems to be the most qualified person, but then the managers decide that the person wouldn’t “fit in” at the company due to their race. Or it could be a situation in which a salesperson with the best, most consistent numbers, is denied a managerial position because, after a round of emails discussing the matter, their managers decide that they are uncomfortable with someone of this race leading the group. These are more obvious examples, but there are also more seemingly subtle ways in which employers can infect a workplace with racial discrimination.

For instance, let’s say that a company suddenly decides female employees should wear straight hairstyles, regardless of their natural hair type. Perhaps a comment is made about an employee being seen in a more favorable light if they decide to take out their braids or forego their traditional appearance in favor of a look that “represents the company.” Maybe there is a co-worker who makes daily “jokes” about another worker’s ethnic group, after repeatedly being told that their comments are harassment.

Sometimes, after people speak with a qualified workplace race discrimination lawyer, they are surprised to discover that the toxic environment can be fixed by seeking help from your employer or an experienced employment lawyer. When a few events, comments and run-ins are taken into account, a clearer picture of a company begins to emerge—and many are troubled by what they see.

Workplace Race Discrimination Statistics

When it comes to workplace race discrimination, the numbers speak for themselves. Did you know that the highest proportion of claims that the EEOC deals with are related to racial discrimination? In 2017 alone, there were over 28,000 cases filed with the EEOC. Keep in mind that this figure does not include the cases filed with other states and agencies across the country. Also, this does not take into account the many people who are discriminated against before they even walk through the door.

Time and time again, the stats have shown that those who are perceived to have African-American names are much less likely than people with “white-sounding names” to even make it to the interview stage. If a prospective employee goes by a name that sounds white, then they are likely to hear back from approximately 10% of the companies they contact. If, however, their name is perceived as African-American, they are likely to hear back from only one in 15 of their queries.

Statistics indicate that a person of color will be offered substantially less money than a white person starting in the same position. Even with all of these statistics readily available it is often difficult for workers to legally prove the validity of their claims. With only a tiny fraction of cases resulting in financial compensation for those making claims—a bit over one percent—it is easy to see why so many prospective employees, current employees and wrongfully terminated employees can become discouraged. However, a savvy workplace discrimination lawyer can help to assess a potential case quickly.

Do I Need to Hire a Workplace Race Discrimination Lawyer?

The short answer is that there is no way to tell until you consult with one. Internet research can only provide a certain amount of information as it pertains to workplace discrimination cases. Because there is often so much detail involved—and there may be different statutes in different regions—it is critical that you contact an attorney who knows how to handle these types of specific cases. If at all possible, you will want to preserve and provide any documentation related to the potential case.

Also, if you are still employed by the company, then you will want to get started as soon as possible. Some businesses have been known to destroy evidence when they believe that they could have a potential lawsuit on their hands. Whether or not the company you work for has a legal department, you will need to secure legal representation of your own.

In these circumstances, the best way to advocate for yourself is to work with those who can assess your case and come up with an effective strategy. Chances are that your friends and family members are not legal experts in this field; continually discussing the matter with them will not generate tangible results. On the other hand, talking with a workplace race discrimination lawyer will help you to find the answers you seek.