People of all different races, colors and national origins have the right to be free of discrimination or harassment in the workplace. That means that your employer may not treat you differently than your co-workers because of your race. If you and your co-workers are different races and are treated differently, for performance reviews, compensation, work assignments, or disciplinary actions including discharge, you may have a claim for racial discrimination.

Examples of Racial Discrimination

For example, you may have a claim for racial discrimination in your workplace if:

• You were fired for doing (or not doing) something, when a non-minority employees have done (or not done) the same thing, but have not been fired;
• You are a minority and you are held to different performance standards than your non-minority co-workers;
• You are subjected to offensive jokes, slurs, racial epithets, name calling, racial insults, or intimidation in the workplace;
• You have been subjected to racially charged symbols such as nooses.

Harassment about someone’s race is illegal when it is so frequent or serious that it creates a hostile work environment or when it results in a tangible employment decision, like being demoted, disciplined, or terminated. No one should ever feel inferior because of their race, skin color, or religious beliefs.

Kansas City Workplace Harassment Attorneys

We have handled dozens of cases of race discrimination against a variety of employers, and our practice specializes in these kinds of cases. Sometimes race discrimination claims can be resolved with a simple letter, but we have always done whatever is necessary for our clients, including mediations, arbitrations, and jury trials. There are specific time lines for filing charges of harassment against your employer. If you or someone you know has a situation that may be racial discrimination, contact us for a free consultation by calling our offices in Kansas City and Overland Park at 913-322-3528.