Racial Employment Discrimination: What Is It and What Can You Do About It?
Racial Employment Discrimination in Tampa
In a landmark case rendered by the US Justice Department against a company in Florida in 2020, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Eric S. Dreiband, said that “It is both morally wrong and illegal to single out any employee for harsh and unwarranted discipline because of the employee’s race. In this free country, all workers have a right to work without suffering unjust and unlawful race discrimination.” In this blog, we’ll introduce what is racial employment discrimination in Tampa and what can you do about it.
According to court documents, the City of Venice fired James Williamson, the only Black employee working in the Parks Division of the city’s Public Works Department, without justification, and after he had been subjected to prolonged use of racial slurs directed toward him and in his presence. The Justice Department ultimately found that the city did not have legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for treating Williamson far more harshly in imposing discipline than it did toward his comparable white coworkers.
Despite the progress made in cases like Mr. Williamson’s, race-based employment discrimination persists. Despite the progress made in cases like Mr. Williamson’s, race-based employment discrimination persists. For example, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) fielded more than 470,000 calls regarding workplace discrimination to its toll-free number. In addition, the agency responded to 187,000-plus inquiries in its field offices, including 122,775 through the online intake and appointment scheduling system. The workplace charges related to racial discrimination included race: 22,064 (32.7%); national origin: 6,377 (9.5%); color: 3,562 (5.3%); and religion: 2,404 (3.6%).
If you have been treated differently because of your race, color, religion, or national origin, you have rights. Additionally, if you are being harassed because of your race, color, natural origin, or religion, you have rights. Under Florida state laws, “protected class” is a class that’s protected against racial discrimination in the workplace, which means your employer may be liable for any harm directed toward you.
In general, racial harassment in the workplace can involve the following:
- Racial or offensive slurs
- Name-calling
- Intimidation
- Offensive jokes and comments
- Ridicule or insults
- Physical threats or violence
Depending on the circumstances, discrimination can come from various parties, including a colleague, supervisor, a supervisor in another area of the company, or someone not affiliated with you or your employers, such as a client, customer, or vendor.
If any of this has happened in your place of employment, you should consult with an attorney who specializes in litigating discrimination cases. The key is to find a law firm that not only understands the rights afforded to you as a victim but that also is committed to giving your case the time and attention it deserves. With more than 100-plus years of experience, Florin Gray, has been a trusted ally in the fight against racial discrimination in the workplace.
Whether it is answering your general questions, filing a discrimination claim, or walking you through the paperwork and deadlines, our attorneys work tirelessly on your behalf to find the resolution you deserve.
In today’s ever-changing political, cultural, and legal landscape, if you believe you have been under racial discrimination in Tampa, we’re here to help. Please contact our office for a free consultation or call us at (727) 254-5255.
