While we would like to think that something as ignorant and upsetting as racial discrimination in the workplace is no longer part of our culture here in America, this is simply not the case, and every day in Georgia and throughout the United States, workers are discriminated against solely because of their race. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you are most likely looking to take action against your employer or the discriminating individual, and rightfully so. Please continue reading and speak with our Atlanta employment law attorney to learn more about how our firm can guide you through the legal process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do I know if I have a valid case of racial discrimination at my job?
Though displays of racial discrimination are quite obvious and do not particularly need clarifying, the truth is, in the eyes of the law, not every comment a boss or employer makes is enough to qualify for a racial discrimination lawsuit. For example, one rude comment or joke may be hurtful and wrong, but it may not meet the standards of a lawsuit. That being said, persistent and blunt racism in the workplace does qualify as harassment, and if you’ve been subjected to this sort of behavior, you most likely have a claim. Racial discrimination in the workplace is defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as the following:
- Making derogatory comments about an employee’s race or the color of their skin
- Displaying symbols in the workplace that are historically considered racially offensive
- Using racial slurs
Do I have a valid claim?
If you believe that you are currently facing racial discrimination at your job, the first thing you should do is contact the HR department about the harassment. If this does not resolve the issue, or you do not have an HR department, you should speak with your employer. If your employer is the harasser, however, this may not be possible. This is why you should do everything in your power to document the incident, or incidents, of discrimination to build your case. Text messages, phone calls, emails, and more can all work to prove that you are facing harassment in the workplace. Our firm can help build your case. You must file your discrimination case with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission within 60 days of the incident occurring. We are here to assist you through every step of the process ahead.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED GEORGIA FIRM
If you need help with an employment law matter in the state of Georgia, you can count on Ben Barrett Law to effectively represent your interests. With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Barrett has the skill and experience necessary to help you navigate the complexities of any employment law matter you may be facing. To discuss your case with a legal team you can trust, please do not hesitate to contact Ben Barrett Law today.