Race Discrimination Attorney in San Francisco

No one should face unfair treatment at work because of their race. A fair and respectful workplace goes beyond a goal to strive for: it’s a right that all employees should experience. Yet, race discrimination continues to be a painful reality for many employees, causing emotional distress and creating significant professional barriers. If you believe you are a victim of race discrimination, understanding your legal protections is the first step toward seeking justice. The Law Offices of Alan F. Cohen is dedicated to defending employees’ rights and can help you navigate this complex process.

What is Race Discrimination in the Workplace?

Race discrimination is the act of treating an employee or job applicant unfairly due to their race or race-related characteristics, such as hair texture, skin color or specific facial features. This illegal practice can manifest in obvious ways, but it can also be subtle and insidious.

Discriminatory actions can impact any aspect of employment, including:

• Hiring and Firing: Refusing to hire or terminating an employee based on their race.
• Compensation and Benefits: Offering lower pay or fewer benefits to employees of a certain race.
• Promotions and Assignments: Overlooking qualified employees for promotions or desirable work assignments.
• Discipline: Applying disciplinary actions unevenly across different racial groups.
• Harassment: Generating a hostile work environment through racial slurs, offensive jokes or derogatory comments.
• Training and Development: Denying access to training opportunities that are available to others.

Any policy or action that results in negative consequences for an employee due to their race can be considered discriminatory.

Federal Law Protections

The primary federal law protecting employees from race discrimination is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This landmark legislation makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Title VII governs all aspects of employment, from recruitment and hiring to promotions, compensation, and termination. The law prohibits both deliberate discrimination and seemingly neutral job policies that disproportionately disadvantage individuals of a certain race, unless those policies are directly related to job requirements.

State Law Protections in California

California provides even broader protections against race discrimination than federal law. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is the state’s main anti-discrimination law.

Key protections under FEHA include:

• Wider Coverage: FEHA applies to employers with five or more employees, offering protection to those working for smaller companies not covered by Title VII.
• Expanded Protections: California law often provides additional safeguards and remedies for victims of discrimination that may not be available under federal statutes.

Because of these extensive protections, many employees in California choose to file their discrimination claims under state law.

What to Do if You Experience Race Discrimination

If you believe you are being treated unfairly at work because of your race, it’s crucial to take deliberate, thoughtful steps to protect your rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Document Everything: Keep a detailed, confidential record of all discriminatory incidents. Note the date, time, location, what was said or done and who was present. Save any relevant emails, messages or documents.
2. Review Company Policy: Familiarize yourself with your employer’s anti-discrimination and harassment policies. Follow the reporting procedures outlined in your employee handbook.
3. Report the Conduct: Report the discrimination to your supervisor (if they are not the perpetrator) or the Human Resources department. Submitting your complaint in writing creates a formal record.
4. Seek Legal Counsel: Navigating a discrimination claim can be challenging. An experienced employment lawyer can help you recognize your rights, examine your claim and decide on the best course of action.

Stand Up for Your Rights

Race discrimination is illegal and fundamentally unfair. You do not have to endure it alone. With 25 years of experience, our firm has dedicated itself to seeking maximum possible results for California employees who have been wronged by their employers.

If you have experienced race discrimination, contact the Law Offices of Alan F. Cohen for a free case evaluation. We will provide the fierce, compassionate advocacy you need to protect your rights and dignity.