Race Discrimination

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal for employers to discrimination against employees or applicants because of their race or color.   Understanding what constitutes race or color discrimination at work is essential to protecting your job and your well-being. 

Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees.  Although some states have laws that protect employees who work in smaller workplaces, Georgia is not one of those states. 

Race discrimination can arise as disparate treatment, where an employee is treated differently on the basis of his or her race or for characteristics associated with that race (hair color, texture, etc.).  Color discrimination occurs when someone is treated differently on the basis of their skin color or complexion.  Some examples of this type of discrimination include: 

• Disparities in pay;
• Inequalities in hiring, firing, promotions, and other major employment decisions; and
• Harassment.

Discrimination can also occur when an employer adopts policies, procedures, tests, or rules that have a disparate impact on a particular minority group.  

If you've been the victim of race or color discrimination, your first step should be to report the problem to your supervisor or Human Resources Department.  If your employer does not adequately address the issue, contact us to discuss your rights.