Workplace discrimination can take many forms, and one often overlooked but equally harmful type is color discrimination. While frequently confused with racial discrimination, color discrimination is a distinct form of bias that involves treating someone unfavorably because of the color, shade, or complexion of their skin. If you’ve been subjected to color discrimination in the workplace in Egg Harbor Township, you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced employment lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue justice.
What is Color Discrimination?
Color discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly based on the lightness, darkness, or other characteristics of their skin color. This form of discrimination can occur between people of different races or even within the same racial or ethnic group. For example, two employees of the same race may experience different treatment based on variations in their skin tone.
Legal Protections Against Color Discrimination
Both federal and state laws prohibit color discrimination in the workplace:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in hiring, promotions, compensation, and other employment practices.
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Provides even broader protections, covering discrimination based on color in all employment-related matters, including hiring, job assignments, promotions, and termination.
Examples of Color Discrimination in the Workplace
Color discrimination can be subtle or overt, and it may involve unfair treatment in various aspects of employment. Common examples include:
- Hiring Bias: Preferring candidates with lighter skin tones over equally qualified candidates with darker skin tones.
- Unequal Pay: Paying employees differently based on their skin color, even when performing the same job duties.
- Promotion Disparities: Denying promotions to employees based on the shade of their skin while promoting others with lighter complexions.
- Hostile Work Environment: Tolerating offensive jokes, comments, or slurs related to skin color.
- Harassment: Subjecting employees to derogatory remarks, ridicule, or unfair criticism based on skin tone.
- Retaliation: Punishing employees for complaining about color discrimination or supporting a colleague’s complaint.
How to Recognize Color Discrimination
Recognizing color discrimination can be challenging, especially when it’s subtle or disguised as business decisions. Some signs include:
- Unexplained differences in treatment between employees of different skin tones
- Consistent patterns of favoritism toward employees with lighter complexions
- Offensive comments, jokes, or stereotypes related to skin color
- Disparities in job assignments, promotions, or disciplinary actions
- Retaliation after reporting discrimination or supporting someone who did
What to Do If You Experience Color Discrimination
If you believe you’ve been subjected to color discrimination, taking the following steps can help protect your rights:
- Document the Discrimination: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, people involved, and any witnesses.
- Review Company Policies: Check your employer’s anti-discrimination and harassment policies to understand the complaint process.
- File an Internal Complaint: Report the discrimination to your HR department or supervisor. Be sure to follow up in writing to create a paper trail.
- Consult an Employment Lawyer: If your complaint is ignored, or if you face retaliation, seek legal advice from an experienced employment lawyer to explore your options.
How an Employment Lawyer Can Help
Proving color discrimination can be challenging, especially when employers provide pretextual reasons for their actions. An experienced employment lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case to determine if your rights were violated under state and federal laws
- Help you gather evidence, including emails, performance reviews, and witness statements
- File complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)
- Negotiate settlements for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages
- Represent you in court if your case goes to trial
Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney?
When you’re facing color discrimination in the workplace, you need legal advocates who are committed to Protecting Your Rights. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has extensive experience representing employees in color discrimination cases throughout Egg Harbor Township and New Jersey. Their legal team is dedicated to holding employers accountable and securing justice for individuals who have been treated unfairly due to the color of their skin.
Take Action Today—Don’t Let Color Discrimination Go Unchallenged
No one should be treated unfairly because of their skin color. If you’ve experienced color discrimination in the workplace, don’t hesitate to seek legal support. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights.
Contact Information
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830, New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
