Discrimination based on race, color, or national origin has no place in the workplace, but it still happens. Some workers are denied promotions, others are harassed or unfairly disciplined, and some are even fired because of who they are. At Solomon Law Firm, PLLC, we help clients take action when their rights are violated. Whether you work for the federal government or in the private sector, we’re here to help you hold your employer accountable.
What Counts as Discrimination?
Discrimination based on race, color, or national origin involves treating an employee or job applicant unfairly because of:
- Physical features, such as skin color, hair texture, or facial characteristics
- Ethnic background, heritage, or ancestry
- Language or accent
- Assumptions about national origin or immigration status
Discrimination can occur in hiring, firing, promotions, assignments, or discipline. It may involve offensive jokes or slurs, or show up as seemingly neutral decisions that consistently disadvantage certain groups. You don’t need written proof—patterns of bias can speak for themselves. If you’ve been singled out or treated unfairly because of your background, you may have a claim.
What Federal and State Laws Protect You?
Several laws exist to protect employees from this kind of discrimination, and they apply across both public and private workplaces. These include:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which makes it illegal for employers with 15 or more employees to discriminate based on race, color, or national origin
- Section 1981, a federal statute that guarantees equal rights to make and enforce contracts, including employment
- Federal EEO regulations, which apply specifically to federal workers and provide additional protections and procedures
Many states have their own laws that offer similar or even broader protections.
Common Examples of Discrimination
Discrimination doesn’t always come in the form of slurs or threats. Sometimes it shows up in patterns—who gets promoted, who’s treated differently, or who’s left out. You may have experienced unlawful conduct if you’ve dealt with:
- Offensive jokes, stereotypes, or racial slurs
- Unequal discipline compared to coworkers of a different background
- A manager overlooking you for advancement opportunities
- Comments about your accent or assumptions about your abilities based on ethnicity
- Retaliation after you complained about biased treatment
Even if you’re unsure whether what happened “counts,” we encourage you to reach out. You don’t need to figure it all out on your own.
Federal Employees: Your Rights and Procedures
If you work for the federal government, the process for reporting discrimination is different from the private sector. Before you can file a formal complaint, you must first contact your agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) counselor within 45 days of the discriminatory action.
From there, the process may include:
- EEO counseling to try to resolve the issue informally
- Filing a formal complaint if no resolution is reached
- An investigation conducted by the agency
- A request for a hearing with an administrative judge or a final agency decision
It’s a detailed process with strict deadlines. Our firm has extensive experience helping federal workers through each stage. We’ll help you stay on track, gather necessary documentation, and make sure your voice is heard.
Private Sector Claims: How the EEOC Process Works
For private sector employees, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) handles most workplace discrimination claims. The process usually starts with filing a charge of discrimination, which must be done within 180 days of the incident or 300 days if your state has its own anti-discrimination laws.
Here’s what typically happens:
- You submit your charge online, by mail, or in person
- The EEOC may offer mediation to resolve the issue early
- If mediation fails, they may investigate and request evidence
- After the investigation, you may receive a “Right to Sue” letter
- You then have 90 days to file a lawsuit in federal court
We assist clients with every step, from the initial charge to settlement discussions or litigation. Our goal is to protect your rights and secure a meaningful outcome.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re dealing with unfair treatment at work, don’t wait to take action. Here’s what you can do right away:
- Keep notes of what happened, including dates, times, and people involved
- Save emails, texts, or other communications related to the issue
- Contact a lawyer before speaking with HR or filing a complaint
The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your legal options. We can help you assess whether you have a strong claim and talk through what comes next.
Contact Our Experienced Discrimination Attorneys
At Solomon Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve helped countless clients stand up to discrimination in both federal and private workplaces. We understand the pressure and fear that come with speaking up, but we also know how to build a strong case and advocate for real results. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of your race, color, or national origin, we’re ready to help.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let’s work together to protect your rights and move forward with confidence.