Philadelphia Race Discrimination Lawyers
Race discrimination occurs when an employee is treated differently or harassed because of his or her race, color, or national origin. You may also have been discriminated due to your race, if you have been rejected for employment, fired or otherwise harmed or treated differently in your employment.
The law protects individuals against discrimination based on race, in all aspects of the employment process, including but not limited to hiring, termination, promotion, compensation, job training, or any other term, condition, or privilege of employment. Unfavorable employment decisions based on stereotypes and assumptions about abilities, traits, or the performance of individuals of certain racial groups are also prohibited under the law.
Discrimination or harassment on the basis of certain physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, or certain facial features associated with the race of an individual violates the law. Ethnic slurs, racial jokes, offensive or derogatory comments, or other verbal or physical conduct based on an individuals race may constitute unlawful harassment, if the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment that interferes with the individuals work performance.
A few examples of workplace occurrences or conduct that may be a genuine basis for inquiring further include:
- You are physically segregated or isolated from other employees of a different race, or you are excluded from activities that involve customer contact while employees of a different race are included.
- You were repeatedly refused positions or promotions that were filled by less-qualified applicants or employees of a different race.
- During company layoffs, your employer eliminated you and other people in your racial group but retained most of the employees of a different racial group.
- Your employer ignored your complaints about coworkers who made you feel uncomfortable when they joked about people of different racial groups.
- Your employer distributes assignments, benefits, or advancement opportunities in a disproportionate or unequal manner that clearly favors some races above others.
Workplace discrimination can take many forms, including race discrimination, age discrimination, disability discrimination, gender discrimination, national origin discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, religious discrimination, and sexual orientation discrimination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Race Discrimination in Philadelphia
What is considered race discrimination in the workplace?
Race discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant less favorably because of their race, color, or characteristics associated with race. This illegal behavior can affect hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, discipline, and training, and can also include harassment (such as racial slurs or offensive jokes) that creates a hostile work environment.
Can I be fired because of my race in Pennsylvania?
No. Terminating an employee based on racial stereotypes, race, or color is strictly illegal under federal, state, and Philadelphia laws. If you were fired and believe your race was a motivating factor, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination and discrimination claim.
What should I do if my boss makes racist comments at work?
If a supervisor or co-worker uses racial slurs or makes offensive comments, report it according to your company’s internal policies. Employers have a legal duty to take appropriate action to stop the misconduct. If they ignore your complaints or the harassment continues, you should seek legal counsel.
Can I sue for racial discrimination if I was not fired?
Yes. You do not have to lose your job to be a victim of actionable workplace discrimination. You can pursue legal action if you face a hostile work environment, are denied promotions, receive unequal pay, face harsher discipline than co-workers for similar conduct, or are excluded from opportunities based on your race.
Are job applicants protected from race discrimination?
Absolutely! Employers cannot refuse to hire someone or apply different standards based on race or color. These protections apply throughout the entire hiring process, including recruiting, interviewing, background screening, testing, and final job offers.
Do I need proof to file a race discrimination claim?
While you need evidence, you do not necessarily need direct proof, such as a manager explicitly admitting to discrimination. Claims are often successfully established using circumstantial evidence like inconsistent explanations for discipline, unequal treatment of similarly situated employees, suspicious timing, company records, or emails and text messages.
Is it illegal for my employer to retaliate after I report race discrimination?
Yes. Employers cannot retaliate against you for reporting discrimination, opposing unlawful conduct, or participating in an investigation. Retaliation can take many forms, including demotions, reduced hours, undesirable job assignments, or termination.
How much is a race discrimination lawsuit worth in Pennsylvania?
The compensation you can recover depends heavily on the specific facts of your case. Potential damages may include lost wages, future lost earnings, emotional distress, lawyers’ fees, and occasionally punitive damages. In some instances, courts may also order reinstatement or other equitable relief.
Contact the Qualified Philadelphia Race Discrimination Lawyers at the Employment Law Firm of The Gold Law Firm P.C.
If you believe you are experiencing racial discrimination in the workplace or another type of employment discrimination, our Pennsylvania employment lawyers can help you seek justice. Call The Gold Law Firm P.C. today for a free assessment of your race discrimination claim at215-569-1999,orcontact us online. Our offices are in Center City Philadelphia and our experienced New Jersey race discrimination lawyers represent clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
