What constitutes race discrimination?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted to prohibit certain types of discrimination, specifically discrimination based on race and color, sex, religion and national origin. Despite its passage, discrimination in various forms continues to exist. Although most people are able to identify blatant examples of harassment based on race, such as crude jokes or name calling, what constitutes race discrimination from a legal perspective?

Race discrimination occurs when an employer takes your race or color into consideration when making employment decisions. This includes determining whether to hire, fire or promote someone. It also includes subtle practices such as having dress codes or appearance codes that target certain races, English only rules and recruiting practices that favor one race over another, even if not explicitly.

Pursuant to the law, your employer may not discriminate against you whether overtly or via an official company policy or practice. Doing so is illegal, and may entitle the victim to back wages and damages, depending on the nature of the actions taken.

For more information or for a private case evaluation about race discrimination, please contact the experienced Atlanta race discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.