Race Discrimination Attorney In Hattiesburg, MS
Racial discrimination is a serious and unacceptable problem, especially in the workplace. Many talented workers give their all but find themselves feeling marginalized because of reasons unrelated to their performance. This unfair treatment can leave a person feeling personally frustrated and professionally stunted. However, a Hattiesburg race discrimination lawyer can help you defend your rights.
WaideLaw is a firm committed to legal protections for those in need of support. Mr. Daniel Waide is the current executive committee chair for the employment law section of the Mississippi Bar. His knowledge of race discrimination laws, coupled with his passion for hard work, for Mississippi residents, and for pursuing justice for others, makes him a valuable ally for anyone battling workplace race discrimination.
What Does the Law Say About Racial Discrimination?
According to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on race, skin color, and nation of origin. This law also extends to cover age, sex, religion, and disability status. The law makes it clear that only a person’s performance in the workplace related to their skills, abilities, and behavior can be used to judge them.
Unfortunately, racial discrimination cases are still a factor in many modern workplaces. These instances can be subtle or blatant, and they can be traumatic for the affected in more ways than one. When you hire a race discrimination lawyer from our firm, you get a valuable support system to help you navigate the legal process to address your issue.
How Do You Approach a Racial Discrimination Scenario?
When a person believes they have a racial discrimination case, there are several steps they should take to address this issue. This formal process allows for an orderly approach to this problem, increasing the chance of accountability on the part of the accused. Steps include:
- Identify the discrimination. This includes citing specific instances of comments or displays of discrimination, as well as potential losses of pay, promotions, or proper treatment related to it.
- Report the issue internally. Submit your issue to management and human resources in writing. This makes the organization aware of the problem and gives them a detailed means of addressing it moving forward.
- File a complaint. Discrimination complaints are investigated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You need to file a Charge of Discrimination, which will prompt the EEOC to address the situation, potentially by requesting documents, interviewing witnesses, or attempting resolution via mediation.
- Pursue additional measures. If the EEOC does not resolve the case, the person who submitted the complaint will be notified by mail. This gives them the right to pursue a race discrimination case through a lawyer if they wish to continue the matter.
WaideLaw can support you through every step of this process. We can help you turn your personal observations of workplace racial discrimination into a formal, professional complaint to be submitted both internally and through the EEOC. If you feel these steps don’t resolve your issue, we can help you continue your case with the support of our highly rated legal team.
How Common Is Racial Discrimination at Work?
Racial discrimination remains far too common in modern workplaces. For example, about 41% of black workers say they have experienced unfairness at some point in matters related to hiring, pay, or promotions. This compares with 25% of Asian workers, 20% of Hispanic workers, and 8% of white workers.
In a separate survey, 66% of those in marginalized racial or ethnic groups reported experiencing racism at work, showing differences across individual groups and industries. In another survey, respondents assigned 41% of the accountability for instigating workplace race discrimination to management, suggesting that internal solutions may not always be effective at addressing issues.
How Could Racial Discrimination Impact You?
Racial discrimination at work can take many forms and have several damaging consequences. It can be done through words, images, or in some cases, practices. Said practices can involve:
- Lower pay or fewer benefits for the same amount of work
- Refusal to consider an individual for promotions
- Fewer hours of overtime given
- Exclusion from certain team meetings and activities
- General mistreatment and lack of support
These are all issues that no individual should have to face at work because of their race. When you’re struggling with racial discrimination in the workplace, a Hattiesburg race discrimination attorney at our firm can help you amplify your voice and formalize your response.
FAQs
Is a Charge of Discrimination Time-Sensitive?
Yes, a Charge of Discrimination is time-sensitive. Those submitting such a complaint typically have 180 days to do so for matters of discrimination involving race, though the timeline can be extended if state courts or other organizations are also involved in the matter. By hiring a lawyer, you can expedite the process and meet timelines effectively.
Where Are Racial Discrimination Cases Heard in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg racial discrimination cases are typically heard in federal court, specifically the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, since the matter is related to federal legislation. Your lawyer can advise you on court schedules and locations, and also help you understand how to answer questions during your race discrimination case
Could Harsher Discipline Be an Example of Racial Discrimination?
Yes, harsher discipline could be an example of racial discrimination. Not all discrimination is related to being denied positives like higher wages and better positions. Harsher negative consequences could be used to marginalize employees, and the case for this may be stronger if there’s a documented pattern of different disciplinary actions separated by race.
How Long Does a Race Discrimination Case Take?
The timeline for a race discrimination case can vary based on several factors. The first is whether the matter is resolved through the EEOC alone or requires legal action outside of it. The timeline may be extended if additional evidence, such as internal documents or witness testimonies, is required, or if evidence is contested by either party.
Hire a Race Discrimination Lawyer Today
Here at WaideLaw, we abide by the guiding principles of Isaiah 1:17, which says to support those who need help seeking justice. Mr. Daniel Waide is a longtime Mississippi resident who credits this area with his appreciation for hard work.
This faith-based perspective, combined with a deep respect for workers’ rights, positions this firm as a valuable ally for any worker facing discrimination. If you are looking to explore your legal rights to stand up for yourself in an unfair and marginalizing workplace, contact us today.
