Teacher Wins Reverse Race Discrimination Jury Trial
Despite significant progress in race relations, race discrimination continues to affect many work places – whether its discrimination in hiring or promoting, or having to endure offensive comments or slurs. Fortunately, Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating against their employees “because of” their race or color. That means that employers may not take your race or color, or your perceived race or color, into consideration in making employment decisions.
While Title VII was initially thought to be limited to Black people and other racial minorities, it applies to everyone and forbids employers from taking race into consideration in any employment decision. When a non-minority brings a claim, it is referred to as a “reverse discrimination” lawsuit. If you have questions about race discrimination or believe that you have suffered race discrimination at work, consulting with an experienced Atlanta race discrimination lawyer is critical to determine your next steps.
Recently, a white school teacher who was fired won a “reverse discrimination” lawsuit. In this instance, the man was working in a school that was predominantly African American. Shortly after being hired, he was subjected to numerous comments by a fellow teacher such as being called “poor white trash” and a “white b****.” The teacher who allegedly made the comments then became principal. Despite the man’s complaints to the school system, his complaints were ignored.
He then brought a Title VII claim against the district, alleging race discrimination. The court noted that because the school system received federal stimulus dollars, Title VII laws applied to it. Following the race discrimination trial, the jury found in favor of the man and awarded him damages.
Unfortunately race discrimination continues to occur. If you believe you have been the victim of race discrimination or any other type of work place discrimination, we urge you to contact the knowledgeable Georgia race discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.