New York Employment Law Firm Supporting Victims of Racial Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace

Racial discrimination has no place in the modern work environment

Despite vocal opposition to racial discrimination, far too many individuals of color or minority race face mistreatment in the workplace because of their heritage. Fortunately, individuals of color or minority race are legally protected against such discrimination in the workplace.

With more than 70 years of combined experience, the New York employment lawyers at Hepworth, Gershbaum & Roth have the skill and knowledge to represent racial discrimination victims. We take an aggressive stance against employers who mistreat employees because of their color or race, and make every effort to help you hold them accountable for their illegal and immoral actions.

What is racial discrimination in the workplace?

Racial discrimination can take many forms in the workplace.  In truth, any action taken by an employer based solely on an individual’s color is prohibited by state and federal law.

The most common forms of racial discrimination in the workplace include:

• Unlawful termination: Employers who terminate an individual simply because of their race or color are in violation of state and federal law. Victims of unlawful termination based on racial factors may be eligible for monetary compensation or reinstatement to their jobs.

• Denial of promotion or advancement: Promotion or advancement practices that hinge upon an employee’s race or color violate the law. Employees who are passed over for promotion because of their race or color have the right to take legal action against the employer.

• Rejection of qualified candidates: Using any protected class, including race and color, as a determining factor during the hiring process is illegal. Should an employer deny employment to an individual based solely on their race, the employer may be held liable for damages.

• Denial of services: Employers who withhold benefits, such as health insurance or vacation time, simply because of an employee’s race are in violation of the law. If you have been denied services available to other employees, you may have grounds for legal action.

• Unequal compensation: The practice of paying people of a specific race lower wages than other employees is illegal and immoral. Employers who do so may be liable for the victim’s lost wages and punitive damages.

Whatever form racial discrimination may take, it often has significant impact on the victim’s financial well-being and future career.

Racial harassment is just as damaging and illegal

Many employees of different colors and race experience harassment in the workplace. From racial slurs to physical mistreatment, workplace harassment due to a person’s race is prohibited by state and federal laws.

Victims of racial harassment in the workplace have the legal right to file charges against their employer, even if the harassment has had no impact on their employment.

How common is racial discrimination in the workplace?

Unfortunately, the racial discrimination in the workplace is far too common. Despite the EEO’s efforts to curb racial discrimination, nearly 60,000 discrimination claims are filed within the United States each year. While these claims vary in merit and impact, the continuing trend of discrimination against people of color or specific race is both disturbing and outdated.

Discuss your legal options during a free consultation with one of our New York employment law attorneys

The idea that your employer or potential employer has allowed their bias to impact your career can be disheartening. When you have fallen victim to racial discrimination, it is important to know that you have legal recourse against the perpetrator of your mistreatment. At Hepworth, Gershbaum & Roth, our New York employment lawyers provide the detailed representation you need to understand your legal options for pursuing justice for your mistreatment.

Contact us online or call 212-545-1199 to schedule a free consultation with one of our New York employment law attorneys.