State and federal laws protect New Jersey workers from many forms of discrimination when they are at work. At the federal level, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on a number of classifications, including race. There are many actions that employers cannot undertake regarding prospective and current employees because of their race.
Men and women who have suffered racial discrimination at work should know that they have rights and options for seeking relief under the law. This post does not provide legal advice, but employment law attorneys can help them understand their legal options and possible claims. The legal overview contained in this post is offered as information only.
Racial discrimination under Title VII
For many years and in many parts of the country, employers have treated workers of distinct races differently. The negative and disparate impact of racial discrimination has prevented workers from advancing in their careers and obtaining opportunities available to others. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 attempted to identify those wrongful practices and provide relief options for individuals who suffered due to their use.
Under Title VII, employers may not discriminate against workers based on race in the following ways:
- Refusing or choosing not to hire or promote a worker because of their race
- Giving a worker a job classification that denies them opportunities because of their race
- Using discipline or firing a worker because of their race
- Providing a worker with less pay or fewer benefits than other workers because of their race.
These protections give workers options for redress when they suffer racial discrimination at work.
Steps to take when dealing with racial discrimination at work
Racial discrimination is not a part of any job description. Victims do not have to live with the consequences of discrimination against them. They may have claims to stop and recover from the racial discrimination they suffered at work. To better understand the laws that may support their claims and their options for moving forward, it can be useful for victims of racial discrimination to speak with knowledgeable employment law attorneys.