Unfortunately, racial discrimination in the workplace is still an issue in the year 2013. Although it has been almost fifty years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, racial discrimination can still be seen in many workplaces across Florida. There are many types of racial discrimination, so if you think you’ve been discriminated against, contact an experienced employment law attorney for a consultation soon.

Prejudice and Discrimination

Prejudice is defined as an unfair feeling of dislike for a person or group because of race, sex, religion or sexual orientation. Discrimination is the practice of unfairly treating a person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people.  Both of these social trends ignore a person’s humanity, denying the individual the opportunity to be judged fairly based on their ability, skills, experience and education. There is simply no room for racial discrimination in the modern American workplace.

Racial Discrimination

• Treating anyone unfavorably because of their race.
• Treating an individual unfavorably because the person is married to someone of a specific race.
• Treating someone unfavorably due to their connection to an organization or team that is associated with a certain race.

Any of those actions falls under racial discrimination, even if the discrimination is being carried out by an individual of the same race as the person being discriminated against.

What actions can be considered unfavorable in nature, especially in relation to workplace racial issues?

Unfavorable Actions Related to Race

• If an individual’s race is taken into consideration at any point in the employment process from being hired all the way to termination.
• Harassment of any kind due to an individual’s race. Harassment can be derogatory remarks, crude or lewd humor, offensive symbols, racial slurs or any type of hostile work environments due to race issues.
• Any policy, guideline or rule that affords a particular race an advantage or disadvantage.

Employers, executives, coworkers, business owners, managers and other professionals in the workplace are not allowed to practice racial discrimination for any reason. Racial harassment, jokes, racially-driven company practices or traditional discrimination are all prohibited by law. If you have been the victim of racial discrimination, you may be entitled to back and front pay, reinstatement and additional compensation to cover your damages. If you feel you have been discriminated against in the workplace, contact the experienced employment law team at Weldon & Rothman, PL for a free case consultation today.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida citizens with employment law issues contact an experienced local Florida employment law attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their labor and employment law matter. If you have been the victim of illegal activities at your workplace, then feel free to contact Attorney Rothman at Weldon & Rothman, PL toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail at info@weldonrothman.com

Bradley P. Rothman is an experienced Florida employment law attorney who has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star.  He is a principal member of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.