Austin Race & National Origin Discrimination Attorneys
Laws Protecting Employees From Race and National Origin Discrimination
The Texas Labor Code, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and other federal laws (including Section 1981) prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race or national origin. These laws make it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee based on race or national origin when making decisions related to hiring, firing, promoting, training, compensating, or other terms of employment. In addition, these laws prohibit an employer from retaliating against an employee for opposing an unlawful act of race or national origin discrimination.
Employee Remedies For Race or National Origin Discrimination
In a lawsuit for national origin or race discrimination, an employee may be able to recover:
- Lost wages and benefits to the time of trial
- Lost wages and benefits into the future
- Compensatory damages
- Punitive damages
- Attorney’s Fees
Prior to filing a lawsuit, an employee may need to file a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and/or Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). These agencies enforce the laws protecting employees from age discrimination in the workplace. To preserve rights under Title VII and the Texas Labor Code, an employee must file a charge of discrimination with these agencies.
What To Do If Your Employer Discriminates Against You Because of Your Race or National Origin
Contact a lawyer immediately, and preferably a lawyer who routinely represents employees in employment litigation. If you are not able to contact an attorney, you should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Texas Workforce Commission, Civil Rights Division. To preserve your rights under the law for this type of discrimination, you must act quickly and typically must follow certain procedural steps, such as filing a charge of discrimination with either the EEOC or TWC. Lastly, take thorough notes regarding everything discriminatory that is being said or done to you and keep all records related to your employment. These notes and records may prove invaluable in a later lawsuit.
Additional Resources for Learning About Race and National Origin Discrimination
EEOC Fact Sheet on National Origin Discrimination
EEOC Fact Sheet on Race and Color Discrimination
Workplace Fairness Fact Sheet on Race Discrimination
Workplace Fairness Fact Sheet on National Origin Discrimination
Questions and Answers Regarding Race and Color Discrimination