Racial Discrimination Lawyers
Racial discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfavorably because of race, ethnicity or national origin. The law forbids racial discrimination in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, wages, layoffs, promotions, job duties or other conditions. Although there have been many advancements in the civil rights arena, many forms of racial discrimination still exist in the workplace today.
If you have faced any of these circumstances on the job, the attorneys at Weisberg Cummings, P.C. may be able to help you. Our employment lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience fighting for clients’ rights in racial discrimination cases.
Types of Racial Discrimination
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 formally bans prejudicial hiring and segregation based on race, ethnicity and country of origin. Title VII of the act encompasses hiring practices, making the denial of employment or advancement illegal. The act also prohibits unfair compensation, segregation and harassment in the workplace.
The four forms of racial discrimination include:
- Direct discrimination: An employer treats an employee worse than another worker because of their race.
- Harassment: Harassment happens when one employee offends, degrades or humiliates another.
- Indirect discrimination: A policy puts a person with a protected characteristic at a disadvantage to others.
- Retaliation: An employer mistreats a person because they complained about racial discrimination or supported another employee who has spoken out.
What Is a Racial Discrimination Attorney?
When an employer or a co-worker mistreats another employee, the victim can get help from a discrimination lawyer. A discrimination attorney specializes in exercising the rights provided to their client under anti-discrimination laws such as the Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and others. A racial discrimination lawyer specializes in the four forms of racial discrimination outlined above.
At Weisberg Cummings, we can meet with you to help decide whether you have a case and discuss your best options. We’ll support your rights to every extent of the law and keep you informed throughout the entire process.
How to Handle Racial Discrimination in the Workplace
As many discrimination cases go unreported because the victims fear consequences, you need to know you have protection under the law. Once you speak out about discrimination on the job, it’s illegal for an employer to retaliate with a demotion, reassignment, suspension or termination or even by overlooking you for a promotion.
If someone on the job discriminates against you due to race, you should take the following steps:
- Inform the employer.
- Review the employer’s anti-discrimination policy.
- Keep detailed records.
- If the employer fails to respond, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
- Review federal and state laws.
- Contact a racial discrimination attorney.
When you contact Weisberg Cummings for help, we’ll carefully evaluate the circumstances to determine the best course of action, which could eventually consist of filing a formal complaint or even taking your case to court.
Connect With Weisberg Cummings P.C. Today
At Weisberg Cummings, P.C., we provide service to clients throughout Pennsylvania. If you believe someone in the workplace has mistreated you because of race, contact us for a free consultation today.
