In a general sense, most workers know that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 gives them protection from racial discrimination in the workplace. However, it’s important to know exactly how this protection works and what it protects you against. Below are the main categories, according to the EEOC.
Hiring, Recruiting, and Advancement
Race is not allowed to be considered when deciding who to hire or who to promote, and companies that are actively recruiting also cannot seek out candidates on the basis of race.
Compensation, Privileges, and Employment Conditions and Terms
All employees are to be treated equally in the workplace so that they are paid the same amount, regardless of race. Compensation can be based on experience, education, and the like. Additionally, workers of one race cannot be given privileges not offered to all workers.
Harassment
This is fairly straightforward, as workers cannot be harassed because of their race or made to work in a hostile environment.
Retaliation
If a worker files a complaint regarding any of the above, he or she cannot be retaliated against by being demoted, fired, reassigned, having pay cut, or the like.
Segregation of Employees
All employees must be allowed to work in the same space, and workers cannot be divided within the workplace based on race.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Employers are not allowed to ask about someone’s race on an application or resume. This is to prevent employers from hiring based on race, rather than the qualifications of the employee.
Those who have experienced racial discrimination in any of the ways listed here need to know their legal options in Florida.
Source: EEOC, “Facts About Race/Color Discrimination,” accessed Dec. 07, 2015
