Rooting out racial discrimination in the workplace

Most people are shocked when they experience discrimination or racial hatred in the workplace. In 2017, it should be expected and assumed that other employees and supervisors would not behave in such a manner, but it happens with some frequency. The challenge for many is to distinguish whether or not they have a valid legal claim of workplace discrimination. There is a distinction, to be sure, between one person behaving badly and a company establishing a system of discrimination. Multiple Suits Against Fox News Just on the heels of the Bill O’Reilly sexual harassment scandal, Fox News is facing two lawsuits alleging racial discrimination, according to a recent report in the New York Times online. According to the report, two black women recently filed a class action suit against 21st Century Fox for racial discrimination. In an interesting quote, one of the plaintiffs’ lawyers said “When it comes to racial discrimination, 21st Century Fox has been operating as if it should be called 18th Century Fox.” Another employee filed a similar racial discrimination claim against 21st Century Fox. The Company Did Nothing In both of these legal claims, the plaintiffs allege that they complained of their experiences to higher levels of leadership and the company did not do anything to address or correct the situations. When one individual acts in ways that are racially offensive, there may or may not be a valid claim against the company, depending on a number of circumstances. But when complaints are made to management and nothing is done, it gives much more weight to these claims. If you have experienced racially charged language or discrimination in the workplace, the best thing to do is to talk with an experienced lawyer. An attorney who has handled employment law cases can help you determine whether you have a claim and protect your rights in the workplace.