Race Discrimination

• What is race/color discrimination?
• What to do if you believe you have been unlawfully treated?
• You have to act promptly.

Working people are protected against discrimination and harassment on the basis of race or color. We have represented many victims of discrimination based on race and have achieved compensation and job protection when they have been treated unlawfully. Employment lawyers at Galfand Berger are here to help you and protect you from race/color discrimination and harassment.

What is race/color discrimination?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pennsylvania Civil Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1866 make it unlawful for employers to discriminate on the basis of race or color in connection with hiring, firing, demotion, promotion, and compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment. Employers may not make employment decisions based upon racial stereotypes, an individual's relationship with someone of a different race, or association with ethnic-based groups and organizations including schools and places of work. The 1964 Act applies to employers of 15 or more employees, the Pennsylvania Civil Rights Act applies to employers of 3 or more employees and the 1866 Act applies to employers with any number of employees.

It is also unlawful for an employer to harass an employee because of his/her race or color. Likewise, employers may not retaliate against individuals who complained about race discrimination or refused to participate in discriminatory employer practices.

What to do if you believe you have been unlawfully treated?

Many companies have policies regarding any discrimination, harassment or retaliation in their company handbook. Likewise, they may have reporting requirements, which may require you to follow a certain procedure. You should request the company to take action to stop and correct discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. You should follow those procedures and document your actions in writing. Failure to follow those procedures may lead to a denial of your rights to recover legal damages for the improper action of the company.

You have to act promptly.

There is a limited time in which you can bring a claim for discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. You must file your claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under Title VII of the Civil Rights within 180 days of the last act of discrimination and/or the same holds true for filing a state claim with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). However, if you file a claim with the PHRC within 180 days of the last act of discrimination or harassment, you can file a claim with the EEOC within 300 days of the last act of discrimination or harassment.

If you believe that you have a claim for discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, please contact our office for a free case evaluation and assistance in filing your claim.