All workers in California deserve to be treated fairly in the workplace. Unfortunately, discrimination based on race, color or national origin still occurs.
Race, color and national origin as protected categories can be difficult to tell apart. However, they each have distinct characteristics.
What is race/color discrimination?
Race discrimination occurs when a worker or job applicant is treated unfavorably in the workplace because they are of a specific race or because they have body features that look like someone of a specific race, even if they are not of that specific race.
Color discrimination occurs when a worker or job applicant is treated unfavorably because their skin is a specific color, regardless of what race they are.
Both race and color discrimination can occur if a worker or job applicant is treated unfavorably in the workplace because their spouse is of a specific race or color.
What is national origin discrimination?
National origin discrimination occurs when a worker or job applicant is treated unfavorably in the workplace because they are either from a specific nation, of a specific ethnicity (or look like they are), or because they have a specific accent.
National origin discrimination can occur regardless of what race or color a worker is.
National origin discrimination can occur if a worker or job applicant is treated unfavorably in the workplace because their spouse is of a specific national origin.
Discrimination in the workplace
Workers and job applicants cannot be discriminated against in the workplace based on their race, color or national origin, among other protected classes. This means they cannot be subject to adverse employment actions.
Some examples of adverse employment actions include:
- Failing to hire
- Firing
- Demotions
- Being passed up for a promotion
- Being given unfavorable job assignments
- Being paid less than colleagues in the same position
- Being denied job benefits
Remember, these actions only constitute discrimination if they are based solely or in part on a worker’s or job applicant’s race, color or national origin.
You have rights in the workplace
If you believe you were unlawfully discriminated against in the workplace, you can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You can also discuss your situation with a professional who can explain federal and state employment laws.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed
