If you believe you are a victim of workplace discrimination, it is important that you take legal action. Unfortunately, employees are discriminated against for any reason, whether it be their gender, race, religion, etc. Another type of discrimination that is seen in the workplace is color discrimination. Read on to learn more about color discrimination and what to do if you believe you are a victim.
What is color discrimination?
Color discrimination has a clear definition set out by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Under the EEOC definition, “color” refers to an individual’s complexion, skin shade, or pigmentation. Discriminating against someone for this reason is similar to racial discrimination, which is illegal in the workplace. If you are able to prove that you have been discriminated against as a direct result of the color of your skin, you will most likely have valid grounds for an EEOC claim. It is important to work with an experienced employment attorney to obtain this proof and take legal action.
What does discrimination refer to?
Discrimination can refer to any of the following behaviors:
- Protection during the recruiting, hiring, and advancement processes
- Compensation, employment terms, conditions, and privileges
- Harassment
- Retaliation
- Segregation and classification of employees
- Pre-employment inquiries and requirements
Obtaining evidence:
In order to take legal action, you must be able to prove that you have been discriminated against. In order to do so, it is important to keep detailed records of these incidents. For example, if you are left a discriminatory voicemail, be sure to save it. In a similar vein, screenshot any texts or emails. Additionally, you should be sure to report the incident as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a claim?
If you are a victim of discrimination, it is important to take action right away. This is because of a deadline known as a statute of limitations. In Georgia, you are legally obligated to report the incident(s) within 180 days from the date of their occurrences. If you are a federal employee, you must speak with an Equal Employment Opportunity counselor within 45 days of the incident(s). Failing to report the incident on time can mean losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve. To avoid missing any important deadlines, contact an experienced employment attorney as soon as possible.
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To discuss your employment law case with a legal team you can trust, please do not hesitate to contact Ben Barrett Law today.
