Although society at large does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race and condemns those who engage in it, racial discrimination and harassment in the workplace remain a common issue. A lot of employers fail to take adequate steps to discourage and address racial harassment that takes place at their workplaces. Others implement seemingly neutral policies that nevertheless adversely affect members of racial minorities. Some may even continue to engage in overt racial discrimination against employees and applicants. The unbalanced nature of the employee/ employer relationship may make victims of this behavior feel as if they have no recourse.
Nevertheless, with the help of experienced racial discrimination lawyers in the Bronx, you can stand up to the racial inequality in the workplace- and assert your right to be judged by your talents and abilities and not your racial background.
Nevertheless, with the help of experienced racial discrimination lawyers in the Bronx, you can stand up to the racial inequality in the workplace- and assert your right to be judged by your talents and abilities and not your racial background.
Types of racial discrimination in the workplace
Direct racial discrimination by the employers- such as refusing to hire, offering inferior terms or conditions of employment based on race- still takes place often. There are times when we catch them red-handed. Also, there are a number of cases involving the use of racial slurs, indirect and even unintentional racial discrimination which is also common and can take an economic and psychological toll on its victims.
Some of these policies are adopted with the deceptive purpose of excluding minorities from the workforce. Others are adapted for racially neutral reasons but still adversely impact minorities in the workforce. In either event, the harm caused is real and federal, New York State and New York City laws provide redress.
Employers have a responsibility to prevent racial harassment
While most big companies know better than to engage in overt harassment and discrimination based on race, a lot of individual employees and supervisors do not. It is the responsibility of employers to take reasonable steps to address and discourage racial discrimination.
In some cases, these employers may be liable for the racially motivated actions of coworkers and even customers or other third parties. Supervisor misconduct that is generally imputed to the company includes:
- The spread of ethnic or racial jokes or cartoons
- Use of ethnic or racial slurs
- Disparaging comments about your race or ethnicity
- Reliance upon ethnic or racial stereotypes
- Unwelcome comments about racial or ethnic characteristics
Consult with an experienced New York racial discrimination lawyer
Racial discrimination in the workplace can take a significant financial and emotional toll on victims and their families. Get in touch with the experts at Cohen & Fitch, LLP. Our experts have achieved justice for a lot of clients who suffered racial discrimination.
