Recently, our office has received an uptick in calls from people who had been subjected to harassment and a hostile work environment due to their race or color. However, they never made any formal complaints to Human Resources or their supervisor that they believed they were harassed. It is imperative that you complain about any discrimination or harassment you are subject to at work. You should follow your company’s directives regarding reporting of workplace harassment or discrimination.

We have also received a number of calls from people who have been subjected to race and color discrimination. Essentially this means that the employee is treated worse than others in the workplace in their terms and conditions of employment. We advise that the employee also complain about this discriminatory treatment because of race in order to give the company a chance to correct the discriminatory treatment.

Some things to keep in mind if you believe you are being subject to discrimination, harassment or retaliation. Discrimination occurs when your employer takes an adverse employment action against you because of your membership in a protected class. Some examples of adverse employment actions are:
• Being terminated
• Have your pay or hours cut
• Being denied a job or promotion

Harassment is mistreatment or unwelcome conduct at work based on a protected class. According to case law, this cannot be a one-time offensive comment or someone just being mean to you. Instead, the conduct must be severe or pervasive and be based on your race or color.

Retaliation occurs when you are subject to an adverse employment action after complaining of harassment or discrimination. If you feel you are being harassed or discriminated against based on your race or color, please call Thompson Legal Center at 813-769-3900. We can help guide you in making a formal complaint or filing a Charge of Discrimination with the appropriate federal and state agencies.