Race and National Origin Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Claims
At LCK Law, we understand that discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race and national origin are serious injustices that undermine the dignity of workers. While related, race and national origin discrimination are distinct legal concepts with unique protections under federal and state laws.
- Race refers to the physical characteristics or traits typically associated with a particular racial group, such as skin color, facial features, and hair type.
- National origin refers to the country or region where a person is born or the ethnic group with which they identify. This includes aspects such as ancestry, cultural practices, language, and accent.
Both forms of discrimination are illegal under laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (federal law) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (state law). If you’ve experienced unfair treatment, harassment, or retaliation based on your race or national origin, you have the right to seek legal recourse. Our experienced employment law attorneys are here to help you fight for justice and protect your rights.
Race and National Origin Discrimination
Discrimination based on race or national origin occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly due to their race or ethnic background. This can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Unfair hiring, firing, or promotion practices based on race or national origin
- Unequal pay or denial of raises and benefits because of race or ethnicity
- Unequal job assignments or lack of career advancement opportunities for employees of certain racial or national origins
- Unjust termination or adverse employment actions based on race or national origin
If you believe that your employer has made decisions about your employment based on your race or national origin rather than your qualifications or performance, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
Race or National Origin Harassment
Harassment based on race or national origin involves offensive behavior or comments that create a hostile, intimidating, or abusive work environment. This can include:
- Racial slurs, derogatory remarks, or jokes related to an employee’s race or national origin
- Mocking or belittling comments about someone’s accent, culture, or ethnicity
- Exclusion or isolation of employees because of their racial or ethnic background
- Physical or verbal abuse directed at an employee based on race or national origin
Employers are legally required to prevent and address harassment in the workplace. If you are subjected to race or national origin harassment, and it negatively impacts your ability to perform your job or creates a hostile work environment, you may be entitled to seek legal recourse.
Retaliation for Reporting Race or National Origin Discrimination or Harassment
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for asserting their rights, such as reporting race or national origin discrimination or harassment. It can take many forms, including:
- Firing, demoting, or reducing an employee’s hours after they report discrimination
- Unjust performance reviews or disciplinary actions following a discrimination complaint
- Denial of career advancement or promotions in response to a complaint of discrimination or harassment
Both Title VII and FEHA protect employees from retaliation for speaking out against discriminatory or harassing behavior. If you have been retaliated against for reporting discrimination or harassment, you should take immediate steps to protect your rights and hold your employer accountable.
How We Can Help
At LCK Law, we are committed to standing up for employees who experience discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on their race or national origin. We are ready to guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
If you have been the victim of race or national origin discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace, contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you achieve the fair treatment and compensation you deserve.