What is the Legal Definition of Race Discrimination?
Posted April 3rd, 2025.
Categories: Blog.
Race discrimination is an unfortunate reality in workplaces across the nation. Knowing the legal definition of race discrimination is crucial in ensuring you can protect your rights and the rights of your coworkers. It is important to understand when discrimination is occurring and the actions you can take to stop and prevent it. Speak with a Cherry Hill employment law attorney for more information and skilled representation.
What is the Legal Definition of Race Discrimination?
Both race and color discrimination are issues found in offices across the country. Race and color discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably due to:
- Their race
- The color of their skin
- Characteristics associated with their race
- Their relationship or association with a person of a certain race
When an employer makes any type of employment decision based on the above, they are being discriminatory. The law prohibits employers from making hiring, firing, promotion, task assignments, benefits, or any other decisions based on an individual’s race or color. It is also unlawful for employers or coworkers to harass applicants or employees based on race and color.
What Laws Prohibit Race Discrimination?
In New Jersey, both state and federal laws prohibit discriminatory practices in the workplace. Federally, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects applicants and employees from employment discrimination based on many characteristics including race, color, and national origin.
At the state level, the New Jersey LAD (Law Against Discrimination) gives citizens the right to obtain employment without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, familial status, marital/civil union status, religion, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, and mental or physical disabilities.
These laws also prohibit employers from retaliating against an employee for reporting discrimination. If an employer acts in opposition to either of these laws there may be legal consequences.
What Are My Options After Experiencing Workplace Discrimination?
Because both federal and state laws protect you from discrimination and retaliation, you have several options if you have witnessed or experienced racial discrimination in the workplace. Before taking any action you should review your company’s handbook to learn about their policies regarding discrimination and reporting incidents. Gather evidence and document detailed accounts of each incident of race discrimination.
- Internal report: You may choose to file a report to your supervisor or the HR department at your company. They should investigate internally and take action to resolve the issue.
- EEOC Report: You can also report the discrimination to the EEOC using their public portal. Submit an inquiry online and schedule an interview to discuss the situation.
- FEPA Report: You may choose to report the discrimination to the local government as well. Contact your local Fair Employment Practices Agency to report your employer’s violations.
- Lawsuit: If one or more of the above actions do not end in a satisfactory result, you can take legal action against your employer, filing a discrimination lawsuit.
Whatever route you choose to take, it is always beneficial to have the help of a skilled employment attorney. Reach out to an experienced lawyer to set up a consultation today.
