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What to know about racial discrimination at work

On Behalf of | Sep 11, 2019 | Racial Discrimination At Work

Employers in Florida and throughout the United States ate not allowed to discriminate against workers based on their skin color or ethnicity. They are also not allowed to discriminate based on other attributes such as national origin per the terms of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Discrimination can occur whether an employer intended to do so or not. In other words, a policy could violate the terms of the Civil Rights Act even if it was designed to apply to everyone.

Companies cannot refuse to hire someone or make other employment decisions because an individual is married to or associated with a person of another color or race. It is important to note that the law does distinguish between race and color even though they are thought of as interchangeable. If a person decides to file a discrimination complaint, he or she has the burden of proof in the matter.

In some cases, those who have white skin may be held to a higher standard when claiming that they have been discriminated against. However, the standard is supposed to be the same regardless of what a person looks like. Claims can be proven using either direct or indirect evidence assuming that it is strong enough to do so. Employers are encouraged to take steps to minimize the likelihood that discrimination occurs.

Obtaining Boca Raton, Florida, workplace racial discrimination legal assistance may make it possible to get a favorable outcome in such a case. Individuals could be entitled to compensation for back pay, lost wages and other damages related to employers discriminating against them. Compensation could be obtained in a settlement or a lawsuit. Evidence of discrimination could include hiring patterns, statements made by managers or anything else that could bolster a claim.