Our Legal Team Fights Race Discrimination in South Florida
Civil rights laws protect you in the workplace
Pfeffer & Associates has advocated for workers’ rights in Florida for almost 30 years. If you have been the target of discrimination or harassment at your workplace, our law firm in Jupiter can advise you on the steps you can take to achieve justice. You have the right to be judged by your skills and knowledge in your job. This right is codified in Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act and in the Florida Civil Rights Act. Under these landmark statutes, your employer is prohibited from considering your race when making employment decisions.
Who is protected from race discrimination in employment
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employers from making decisions based on your race, skin complexion or any characteristics indicative of a certain race. You are also protected if you are treated unfairly because you are married to a person of another race or because you belong to an association that supports people of a specific race. The race of the people discriminating against you is insignificant. A person who identifies with your own ethnicity may be held responsible for basing employment-related decisions on the color of your skin, involving:
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Race harassment in your job
Harassment is a form of race discrimination. The offensive conduct of your coworker, supervisor, superior in another division, client or vendor becomes illegal if it:
- Creates a hostile work environment — Workplace conditions that subject you to racial slurs, racist jokes, racially offensive symbols, derogatory remarks about your race, and photos and drawings that depict humiliating portrayals of your race may become so pervasive as to create a hostile work environment. A few minor incidents of untactful teasing may not rise to the level of harassment, even if the behavior is annoying. However, if the conduct affects your work performance or makes your job unpleasant, it may be considered harassment.
- Is so severe that it results in an adverse employment decision — Even a single incident, such as a false accusation, may be so severe as to result in an adverse employment consequence. For example, if a worker who is labeled a terrorist because of his Middle Eastern decent is fired or demoted, it may be considered harassment.
- Is so severe that it is threatening — A single threat may produce substantial fear or humiliation. For example, a noose hung in the office or a racially charged confrontation may be considered harassment.
What you can do to protect yourself in the workplace
Whistleblower statutes protect your right to file a grievance against your employer for discrimination or harassment. Under these federal and Florida laws, your employer is forbidden from retaliating against you for reporting wrongful or offensive conduct. Giving your employer notice of the discriminatory or harassing behavior is a vital first step in preserving your rights. Our discrimination attorney can guide you through the process so you feel confident about each action you take to protect yourself.
Reach justice in your Florida race discrimination claim
Learn more about race discrimination in the workplace and what you can do to protect your rights. Call Pfeffer & Associates at 561-745-8011 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Because we believe all workers should have access to the courts, our firm handles employment cases on a contingency fee basis.