Workplace Rights

Weekly (10/11/21)

Topic of the Week  Racial Discrimination at Work

Federal law prohibits race discrimination in the workplace and these types of incidents can take many forms. Racial discrimination refers to the practice of treating individuals differently because of their race or color. It can also occur when someone is treated differently based on their association with members of another race.

Such discrimination can occur directly, such as when an employer intentionally targets a member of a racial group, or indirectly when a seemingly neutral job policy tends to exclude minorities for a reason that is not job-related.The regulation that prevents race discrimination also prohibits discrimination based upon stereotypes, assumptions about abilities, traits or the performance of individuals of certain racial groups.

Q: Which federal law covers race discrimination?
A: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that protects individuals from discrimination in employment based on race. The law makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against individuals because of their race in hiring, firing, discipline, distribution of benefits, promotion, compensation, job training or any other term, condition or privilege of employment. 

Q: What is intentional discrimination?
A: Intentional discrimination occurs when an employment decision
is impacted by a person's race. 

Q: Can I be discriminated against by someone of the same race as me?
A: Yes, racial discrimination by someone of the same race is possible and illegal. There is no requirement under the law that the victim and the perpetrator be of different races.

Thought of the Week

"Decades of exclusion and discrimination have limited job opportunities, promotions and wealth generation for Black and Hispanic workers. That means that many of our coworkers are not getting a fair shake."

–Jessica Guynn and Jayme Fraser | USA Today

Weekly Comic by Jerry King

Weekly Comic by Jerry King

Blog of the Week

Top Five News Headlines

    List of the Week

    from

    Archive

    Weekly: Archive

    Select a date from the list below.

    2024

    2023

    2022

    2021

    2020

    2019

    2018

    2017

    2016

    2015

    2014

    2013

    2012

    2011

    2010

    2009

    2008

    ©2022 The Law Office of Bartina Edwards, All Rights Reserved