You have the right to take legal action against your employer if you believe you experienced racial discrimination at work. Racial discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated differently or unfairly because of their race, skin color, or ethnicity.
Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard handles labor and employment cases, and we work every day to hold corporations accountable for unfair practices. Our experienced Boston employment discrimination lawyers will handle the legal process for you and protect your rights.
Call us today for a free consultation. Our Boston racial discrimination lawyers will advise you of your legal options and how we can represent you.
Examples of Racial Discrimination in the Workplace
Racial discrimination can take many forms in the workplace. No matter how it occurs, it can create a stressful and unprofessional environment that affects people’s careers and well-being.
Below are examples of what racial discrimination might look like in a Boston workplace:
- Unequal hiring practices: A qualified job applicant is overlooked or rejected because of their race or ethnicity. This might involve favoring candidates of another race despite similar or lesser qualifications.
- Discriminatory promotions and pay: Employees of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds may consistently be overlooked for promotions, raises, or bonuses, even when they perform at the same or higher level than others.
- Harassment and hostile work environment: Racial slurs, derogatory comments or jokes, and offensive stereotypes create a hostile workplace. Even subtle but persistent remarks about someone’s race can encourage an unprofessional atmosphere.
- Unfair discipline or termination: Workers may be unfairly disciplined or terminated based on racial bias. For instance, an employee of a particular race may receive harsher punishment than others for similar behavior.
- Exclusion from opportunities: Being left out of key projects, networking events, or important meetings because of race can be a form of discrimination that limits an employee’s career growth and development.
- Racially biased policies: Company policies that disproportionately affect employees of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds, even if not explicitly targeting race, may also be discriminatory.
These are just some examples of how racial discrimination occurs in workplaces. If you have experienced any of these, call us. Our Boston labor and employment lawyer can discuss your potential case during a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a racial discrimination lawyer serving Boston, call (860) 999-9394
Federal and State Laws Protect Employees in Racial Bias Cases
Federal and state laws protect workers and ensure they have the right to a fair and equal workplace that is free from discriminatory practices. If an employer violates these rights, employees can take legal action.
Federal Law Protections
The main federal law is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under this law, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on their race, color, religion, or national origin.
This applies to hiring, firing, promotions, pay, and other work conditions. The law covers most employers with 15 or more employees.
State Law Protections
In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act (Chapter 151B) also protects workers from racial discrimination. This law applies to employers with six or more employees.
It gives employees the right to file complaints if they believe they have been discriminated against because of their race.
Filing a Formal Racial Discrimination Complaint
These laws ensure that workers can seek legal recourse if they are treated unfairly because of their race. Our Boston race discrimination attorneys know and understand these laws and how they would apply to your situation.
If you want to file a formal claim, you have the right to do so. You can formally document the incident in a complaint to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
This is one of the things you can do to start the process of holding the employer accountable.
Boston Racial Discrimination Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
How Our Boston Racial Discrimination Lawyer Can Help
Racial discrimination is often stressful for employees, leading to feelings of isolation, frustration, and fear about job security. Constantly facing unfair treatment or bias can take a heavy toll on one’s mental and physical health, making it hard to focus or feel safe at work.
Our attorneys understand these challenges, so we offer emotional support along with professional legal representation.
When we represent you, we will:
- Investigate your case: We will review the details of the incident involving racial bias to identify discriminatory actions or patterns.
- Gather evidence: Proving workplace discrimination occurred requires strong evidence. We will collect documentation, witness testimony, and other proof to support your claim.
- File a complaint: We can assist in filing complaints with agencies like the (EEOC) or the (MCAD).
- Negotiate on your behalf: Many parties in racial discrimination cases resolve their differences through settlements. We will represent your interests in negotiations with the opposing party and seek a fair outcome.
- Take legal action: If necessary, we’ll fight for your rights in court, seeking fair compensation for your compensatory damages.
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We Address Retaliation in Racial Discrimination Cases
If you believe your employer is treating you unfairly because you reported racial discrimination or participated in an investigation, you don’t have to face it alone. Retaliation is illegal.
Our Boston workplace retaliation lawyers will work to prove the connection between your complaint and the retaliation and take legal action to hold your employer accountable.
Common ways employers might retaliate include in the following:
- Demoting or reassigning you to a less favorable position.
- Cutting your hours or reducing your pay.
- Giving you poor performance reviews without valid reasons.
- Creating a hostile work environment through harassment.
- Wrongfully terminating your employment.
Our experienced racial discrimination lawyers serving Boston, MA, are here to help you navigate this challenging situation and fight for your rights.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Available Damages in a Workplace Racial Discrimination Case
Under state and federal laws, you have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination. If your rights have been violated, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Back pay (lost wages)
- Front pay (future lost wages)
- Mental anguish, emotional distress damages
- Compensation for lost benefits (medical insurance, retirement contributions)
- Compensation for job search expenses
- Legal fees and court costs
Punitive Damages
Although they are rarely awarded and at the discretion of the court, you could receive punitive damages, which punish the employer for extreme wrongdoing. A court can require employers to pay these penalties if their behavior was especially malicious, reckless, or intentional in violating anti-discrimination laws.
These damages intend to send a strong message to employers that such conduct will not be tolerated and to discourage similar actions in the future. We can advise if these damages could apply to your case.
We will make sure others hear your voice and understand your experience. You deserve justice, and we will do everything we can to help you get it.
Steps to Take If You Have Faced Racial Discrimination at Work
Here are a few tips for workers who have faced racial discrimination in the workplace:
- Document and track everything: Keep records of any incidents involving racial bias, including dates, times, locations, and witnesses. Save emails, texts, or other communications that show discrimination and can support your claims.
- Report the incident promptly: Follow your employer’s process for reporting discrimination, such as talking to HR or your supervisor. Reporting creates a record of your complaint and can help build your case.
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights under federal and state laws. You have legal protections against racial discrimination. For help, contact our racial discrimination attorneys in Boston, MA.
- Seek support: Dealing with racial bias on the job can be mentally and emotionally draining. Talk to friends, family, or a counselor you trust for support.
- Consult a lawyer: Speak with an attorney from our firm to understand your legal options and determine the best way forward.
Get Help From Our Boston Racial Discrimination Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has experienced unfair treatment at work because of your race or ethnicity, reach out to Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard today. Our supportive and knowledgeable legal professionals will work to resolve your case.
You don’t have to face this alone—let our Boston racial discrimination lawyers help you take a stand. Call us today. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form