Discrimination Based on Race and National Origin
Since 1964, discrimination in private employment based on race and national origin has been illegal in this country. Unfortunately, however, some employers still haven't gotten the message. In every year since the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) began tracking discrimination charges filed with the agency, more charges have alleged race discrimination than any other type. Almost 100,000 charges of race discrimination were filed in the U.S. in 2010, and again in 2011.
The articles here explain what race discrimination and ethnicity discrimination are and what to do if you are a victim.
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National Origin Discrimination in the Workplace
An employer may not discriminate based on an employee's ethnicity or associated traits.
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Learn about race discrimination in the workplace.
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Language and Accent Discrimination in the Workplace
English-only rules and job decisions based on an employee's accent may not be legal.
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Discrimination on the Basis of Citizenship
Employers may not discriminate against employees on the basis of citizenship status.
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Harrasment Based on Race or National Origin
Harassment based on race or national origin is illegal under federal law.
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Is it discrimination to make assignments based on customer race?
Assigning employees to work with customers of the same race is called "steering" -- and it's illegal.
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Is discrimination based on skin color illegal?
Skin color is a protected characteristic, separate from race.
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Can we screen out anyone with an arrest record, even if it means we hire fewer African Americans?
If a hiring requirement has a disproportionate effect on one race, it may be illegal.
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Is it illegal for my company to treat me differently because of my husband's ethnicity?
Association discrimination happens when an employer makes job decisions based on an employee's friends and family members.
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Is it discriminatory to require applicants to have a college degree?
Degree requirements that disproportionately affect a protected group may not be legal.
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When do jokes cross the line to become racial harassment?
Harassment is illegal if it is severe or pervasive enough to alter the victim's working conditions.
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Is my employer liable for harassment by a vendor?
An employer must take steps to end harassment by third parties.
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Steps to Take If You Are Facing Race or National Origin Discrimination
Find out what to do if you suspect workplace discrimination.
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Filing an EEOC Charge of Discrimination
Learn how to assert your right to work free of discrimination and harassment.
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The EEOC's website provides information on filing a charge, asserting your rights, finding a local EEOC office, and much more.
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Find a Local Employment Lawyer
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