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Race Discrimination

Standing Up Against Racism in the Workplace

Employees have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination based on race, color, or ethnicity. Unfortunately, race-based mistreatment remains a persistent problem across industries and job types—from hiring and promotions to pay disparities and hostile treatment on the job.
We represent employees who have been subjected to race discrimination, racial harassment, or retaliation for speaking out. If you’ve been treated unfairly because of your race or color, we’re here to help you protect your rights and pursue justice.

What Is Race Discrimination?​

Race discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfavorably because of their race, skin color, or traits associated with race (such as hair texture or cultural expression). It includes actions such as:
  • Refusing to hire or promote someone based on race.
  • Unequal pay for workers of different races doing the same job.
  • Racially motivated discipline or termination.
  • Creating or tolerating a racially hostile work environment.
  • Enforcing grooming or appearance standards in a racially discriminatory way.
  • Retaliating against an employee who complains about race discrimination.
You don’t need to have been fired to have a case—any adverse employment action or pattern of mistreatment may qualify as unlawful discrimination.

Racial Harassment Is Illegal​

Harassment based on race is unlawful when it creates a hostile or abusive work environment. This can include:
  • Racial slurs, jokes, or name-calling.
  • Offensive comments about a person’s race, culture, or accent.
  • Stereotyping or mocking cultural traditions.
  • Displaying racist symbols or imagery.
  • Social exclusion or intimidation.
A single incident may sometimes be serious enough to be unlawful if the conduct is extreme. Otherwise, courts look at whether the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with a reasonable person’s ability to do their job.

Legal Protections Against Race Discrimination​

Workers are protected from race discrimination under both federal and state laws:
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law prohibits employers from discriminating based on race, color, or national origin in any aspect of employment. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees, and also protects against retaliation for asserting your rights.
  • Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866: Section 1981 specifically prohibits race discrimination in the making and enforcement of contracts, including employment contracts. Unlike Title VII, Section 1981 applies regardless of employer size, and does not require a charge with the EEOC before filing suit.
  • Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA): The PHRA offers similar protections to Title VII, but applies to employers with as few as four employees. In some cases, the PHRA may offer broader remedies or procedural advantages.

We’re Committed to Racial Justice in the Workplace

Race discrimination can have a devastating impact—professionally, financially, and emotionally. Whether you’re facing daily microaggressions or were wrongfully terminated based on race, you deserve to be heard.

Our firm has experience holding employers accountable for racial bias, harassment, and retaliation. We’re here to help you fight back and secure the compensation and accountability you deserve.

If you believe you’ve experienced race discrimination at work, contact us today for a confidential case evaluation.

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