Federal and Illinois laws prohibit race discrimination at work, yet it remains a persistent issue. Employers cannot make hiring, firing, promotion, or pay decisions based on race or ethnicity. You may have a legal claim if you believe an employer discriminated against you.
What Laws Protect Against Racial Discrimination at Work?
Several laws ban race-based employment discrimination, including:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Prohibits race discrimination and harassment in employment.
- Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 – Protects employees from racial bias in contracts, including employment agreements.
- The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) – Prohibits racial discrimination and harassment in Illinois workplaces.
Examples of Racial Discrimination in the Workplace
Race discrimination happens when an employer:
✔ Refuses to hire a candidate due to race or ethnicity
✔ Pays lower wages or offers worse benefits based on race
✔ Denies training or promotions to employees of a certain race
✔ Fires, demotes, or disciplines workers due to race
Types of Workplace Race Discrimination
There are two main types of racial discrimination claims:
🔹 Disparate Treatment: When an employer intentionally treats employees differently based on race. Examples include:
- Promoting only white employees
- Targeting Black employees for drug testing
🔹 Disparate Impact: When a neutral company policy disproportionately harms employees of a certain race. If an employer enforces a rule that negatively affects a specific racial group, they must prove it is necessary for the job.
How to Prove Race Discrimination at Work
To file a race discrimination lawsuit, you must show that:
✅ You are a protected class member (e.g., Black, Hispanic, Asian, etc.)
✅ You were qualified for the job or performed well
✅ You were denied a job offer, or promotion or faced termination
✅ Your employer mistreated you due to race
Why You Should File a Race Discrimination Claim
Legal action isn’t just about compensation—it’s about holding employers accountable and fighting for equality. Filing a claim can help:
✔ Recover lost wages from wrongful termination or pay discrimination
✔ Deter employers from engaging in future racial discrimination
✔ Empower you to stand up against injustice
If you’ve experienced racial discrimination in the workplace, you don’t have to fight alone. Our attorneys can help you file a complaint with the EEOC or Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and pursue justice.
What should you do if you experience racial discrimination at work?
- Keep thorough records. Document the dates, times, places, and details of the actions, along with any witnesses, evidence, or communication that support your claim. Retain copies of your employment contract, policies, handbooks, performance reviews, pay stubs, and other documents that outline your work history and achievements. If the actions occurred by email or text, print a copy.
- Report the race discrimination. Notify a supervisor or human resources department about the discrimination and request immediate action. Follow your employer’s policies and procedures for reporting and resolving complaints, and keep copies of any written or verbal responses you receive.
- Seek legal advice. If your employer fails to address or resolve the discrimination, contact an attorney at 1818 for assistance filing a formal discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).
At 1818, we are dedicated to protecting individuals from a hostile work environment and fighting for employee rights. If you have faced wrongful termination, workplace retaliation, or discrimination because of your race, contact us today for a consultation.
Call us now to protect your rights and hold your employer accountable!
