New Jersey Racial and Religious Discrimination Attorneys

You Have Rights, Make Sure They Are Protected. Also Serving Philadelphia.

Have you experienced repetitive negative comments at work about your race or religion? Are important work events always scheduled during times that conflict with your religious practice? Do you believe you’ve been denied promotions, pay raises, or employment due to your race or religious beliefs? Any of the above could mean you are facing racial or religious discrimination in the workplace.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), you are protected from discrimination practices based on nationality, race, and skin color. You also cannot be discriminated against for your religious beliefs, and employers are expected to make reasonable accommodations for your beliefs unless it creates an undue hardship for them.

It's unlawful for companies to discriminate against employees due to their race or religion, and such actions carry significant implications for all parties involved. If you suspect you've been a victim of discrimination, knowing your legal rights and options is crucial. The knowledgeable lawyers at The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. can provide the direction and support necessary to help you successfully navigate the intricate legal process.

Key points to remember about your legal rights in cases of discrimination:

• Employees have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination based on race or religion.
• Employers are prohibited from making employment decisions based on an individual's race or religion.
• You have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if you believe you have been discriminated against.
• Seeking legal representation can help you protect your rights and seek justice for any discrimination you have experienced.

If you think you may be facing racial or religious discrimination in the workplace, then you may want to talk to a seasoned lawyer who can listen to your case and provide legal advice. The well-respected legal team at The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. can meet with you at an initial consultation and let you know what your legal options are.

Call The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. today at (856) 746-6332 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our racial & religious discrimination attorneys in New Jersey.

Common Types of Workplace Racial Discrimination

Even though our country has made strides toward eliminating racial discrimination and stereotypes, the reality is that it still exists and happens every day. It is unacceptable in any setting, but at your workplace, you should expect to be treated equally no matter your race, nationality, or skin color. You might experience racial discrimination as a direct result of bias, prejudice, or stereotyping, but it can also be much more subtle than that.

Common types of workplace racial discrimination include, but are not limited to:

• Refusing to hire someone because of skin color, race, or nationality
• Use of racial epitaphs or slurs
• Not mentoring an employee based on race
• Looking for someone over for a promotion due to skin color
• Trying to blame someone for a workplace error because of their race
• Spreading falsehoods about someone because of their nationality or race
• Paying someone in an equal position less than someone else because of their skin color
• Denying a new position to someone because of race
• Treating someone noticeably different due to their skin color or nationality
• Stopping an employee from working with clients because of skin color

An attorney well-versed in workplace racial discrimination can review your specific circumstances with you to help you determine if you may have a legal case and what your next steps should be.

How Employers May Discriminate Based on Religion

Religious discrimination may manifest itself in similar ways to racial discrimination. For example, if an employer passes you over for a promotion, and you know it is because of your religious beliefs, that is discrimination. They may not allow you to see clients because of how your beliefs require you to dress, such as a turban, hijab, yarmulke, or burqa.

Under the first amendment to the United States Constitution, you are entitled to your religious freedom. An employer is required by law to reasonably accommodate your religious beliefs and practices, and they should not subject employees to segregation based on their religion.

What to Do If You Find Yourself in a Hostile Work Environment

As stated, Title VII and NJLAD are put in place to protect you from a hostile work environment. Not all teasing or offensive conduct signifies a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment is one where you have been subjected to treatment based on race or religion that was so severe, it creates a hostile, abusive, or intimidating work environment. The proper legal standard for determining a hostile work environment is if the conduct you face is “severe or pervasive,” which can include even one single, severely offensive slur against your race or religion.

If you do end up finding yourself in a hostile work environment, then your employer may be liable for the condition or for failing to correct it, depending on who was participating in the discrimination against you. Employers should have a policy regarding racial harassment and religious discrimination, and if they do not, that can be considered negligent and reckless. That policy should outline a procedure for investigating and providing remediation in the instances when a supervisor is involved.

If the conduct happens with a non-supervisory employee, then your employer could face liability only if they knew about the discrimination and did not make an attempt to correct the action.

Once you have notified your employer of the discriminatory treatment against you, if they fail to either fix the issue or if you find yourself a victim of retaliation, then you should consider contacting an employment law attorney at The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. to talk about the behavior you have faced and how they can help you with your case.

How to Prove Racial & Religious Discrimination in the Workplace

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to establish and substantiate claims of racial and religious discrimination in the workplace:

• Document Incidents: Begin by documenting any incidents of discrimination you experience or witness. Keep detailed records, which include dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and a description of the discriminatory behavior.
• Collect Evidence: Gather any tangible evidence, such as emails, text messages, or written communications, that support your claims. Additionally, if there were any witnesses to the discriminatory acts, obtain their contact information as potential corroborating witnesses.
• Review Company Policies: Familiarize yourself with your employer's policies and procedures. If the discrimination violates these policies, it strengthens your case. Additionally, ensure that you have followed the appropriate channels for reporting discrimination within your workplace.
• Seek Medical and Psychological Support: If you have experienced emotional or physical distress as a result of the discrimination, seek medical or psychological support. Documenting the impact on your well-being can further strengthen your case.
• Consult an Attorney: Schedule a consultation with our racial and religious discrimination attorneys at the Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. We will assess the details of your case, deliver legal advice, and guide you on the best course of action.

What Are The Potential Remedies Available To Me If I’ve Experienced Racial Or Religious Discrimination At Work?

If you've been a victim of racial or religious discrimination at work, there are several remedies available. As New Jersey racial and religious discrimination lawyers, we can help you seek:

• Reinstatement: If you were wrongfully terminated, you could be reinstated to your previous position with full benefits.
• Back Pay: Recover lost wages, including salary, bonuses, and overtime.
• Compensatory Damages: These cover emotional distress and related medical expenses.
• Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of particularly egregious conduct by the employer.
• Injunctive Relief: Court orders requiring the employer to take corrective actions, such as policy changes and training.
• Legal Fees: Reimbursement for attorney's fees and court costs.

Navigating these options can be complex. As your racial and religious discrimination attorney in New Jersey, we provide personalized guidance to maximize your potential remedies and ensure your rights are protected. Contact The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. as soon as possible.

Contact Our Racial & Religious Discrimination Attorneys in New Jersey Today

If you believe you have been a victim of racial or religious discrimination in your workplace, we are ready to stand by your side. At the Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C., we understand the emotional and professional toll such discrimination can have on an individual. Our commitment is to ensure that justice is served and the rights of our clients are protected.

Don’t hesitate to call our racial & religious discrimination lawyers in New Jersey at (856) 746-6332.