Palm Beach Gardens Race Discrimination Attorney

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation that targeted America’s long history of racial discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act specifically forbids discrimination based on race or color when it comes to employment. This rule applies to all public employers and any private employers with at least 15 employees.

Although Title VII has been on the books for nearly six decades, we continue to see far too many cases of race discrimination here in Florida. If you have such a case, it is important to work with an experienced Palm Beach Gardens race discrimination attorney. At the Sconzo Law Office, P.A., we represent clients who have been treated unfairly–and illegally–by an employer based on the color of their skin or the racial makeup. We can assist you in taking legal action and seeking damages from an employer who thinks they are above the law.

The Many Forms of Workplace Race Discrimination

Race discrimination under Title VII means making any job decision based on a person’s race, color, or national origin. This includes whether to hire a job applicant, whether to promote an existing employee, or deciding how to enforce rules regarding the discipline or termination of employees, among other things.

For example, if an employer favors white employees over non-white employees when it comes to promotions, that is a form of race discrimination. So would requiring all employees of Hispanic origin to submit to drug testing but not employees of other races. An employment policy can also constitute race discrimination if it is seemingly neutral on its face but has a “disparate impact” on a specific racial group. For instance, a dress code that requires all employees to straighten their hair can have a disparate impact on African American employees, many of whom have naturally curly hair.

An employer is also liable for racial discrimination based on harassment. If supervisors or coworkers target certain employees based on their race–say by making racist jokes or using slurs–that can create what is known as a “hostile work environment” under Title VII. While not every such incident will rise to this level, if the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to affect an employee’s working conditions, they may have a viable case for discrimination.

Contact the Sconzo Law Office Today

Not all race discrimination is overt. It is often reflected in subtle policy decisions by an employer that nevertheless have the effect of treating certain employees less favorably due to their race, color, or national origin, as opposed to the quality of their work. Many employees are reluctant to even come forward with discrimination charges in such cases because they fear losing their jobs or facing further mistreatment.

But just as Title VII protects employees against race discrimination, it also forbids employers from engaging in any acts of retaliation for anyone who asserts their rights under the law. Our Palm Beach Garden race discrimination attorneys can advise you further on this subject. Contact the Sconzo Law Office, P.A., today to schedule a complimentary consultation so we can sit down and discuss your situation.