Orlando Discrimination & Harassment Lawyer
We like to think that our ability to get and hold down a job will be based on our merits. But in reality, far too many Orlando-area workers continue to face discrimination and harassment on the job based on who they are. That is why there are a number of federal, state, and local laws designed to combat such actions by employers.
Florin Gray is a team of dedicated Orlando discrimination & harassment lawyers whose only mission is to help workers who have been mistreated in the workplace. We do not represent corporations or other employers. We only handle discrimination and harassment complaints on behalf of employees and job applicants.
Defining Discrimination and Harassment in Florida
In the context of employment law, “discrimination” refers to illegally basing an employment decision on a particular characteristic of an employee. For example, refusing to hire someone for a particular job because they are a woman would be sex discrimination, which is banned by federal and Florida state law. These laws protect a wide variety of traits, including sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, and disability.
Harassment is actually a form of discrimination. In sex discrimination cases there is often what is called quid pro quo harassment. This refers to a scenario where an employer–typically a manager or supervisor–demands a sexual favor from an employee in exchange for some employment-related benefit. For instance, if a boss promises an employee a raise if she dates him, that would be illegal quid pro quo sexual harassment.
But harassment can also take the form of a “hostile workplace environment.” This is where an employee is subject to severe or pervasive harassment based on a legally protected characteristic. Making sexist or racist comments in the workplace can be one form of hostile workplace environment harassment. And the harassment need not originate with management. It can come from a co-worker or even a customer or client. But the employer can still be held civilly liable if they knew about the harassment and failed to take corrective action.
If you have been the victim of discrimination or harassment in the workplace, you can file a formal complaint–known as a charge–with either the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Rights. These are the federal and state agencies, respectively, that deal with employment discrimination and harassment matters. The agency will investigate your charge and will either initiate direct legal action against the employer or give you a “right to sue” letter so you can take the employer to court yourself.
Contact Florin Gray Today
Coming forward with allegations of discrimination or harassment is never easy. Many workers fear they will be subject to retaliation–which itself is illegal–if they say anything. That is why your first step should be to work with an experienced Orlando discrimination & harassment attorney who can walk you through the process. Contact Florin Gray, today to schedule a free consultation.
