Employment discrimination can be overt or subtle

Allegations of discrimination are in the headlines on a daily basis. Perceptions and stereotypes about one’s race, gender and other features continue to influence how people, institutions and businesses interact. When it comes to employment, discrimination is illegal. Protected classes include race, national origin, gender, religion, disability and more. What this means, is that an employer cannot make their judgment based on any of the attributes list above.

The problem is widespread, from minimum wage jobs to million dollar industries like Major League Baseball. MLB umpire Angel Hernandez recently filed a suit claiming he has been passed over for advancement based on his nationality. Hernandez’s claim uses examples of crew chief promotions as well mention of the umpires selected to work the World Series each year. He notes that the selections are disproportionately white, despite 11 percent of MLB’s umpire roster being of African-American or Hispanic heritage.

Discrimination can be loud or quiet.

Employment discrimination takes many forms. While there are blatant cases where an applicant is not hired based solely on race or gender, there are also subtle and equally illegal situations where a longtime employee isn’t promoted, is given menial tasks or is ostracized by the organization. Any instance where an employee lacks opportunity based on gender, race, religion or another protected reason, such as Hernandez’s claim against MLB, there is cause for concern.

Protection of civil rights

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a vital piece of American law that forbids unfair treatment of employees. It is over 50 years old, yet problems exist for minority classes. If you’ve been treated unfairly in the workplace, singled out for being different or been passed over for promotion, your civil rights may be violated.

Employment law violations are complex but essential rights, affecting both your feeling of self-worth and your ability to earn an income. If you feel that something isn’t right in your work environment, a consultation with an experienced employment law attorney can make the difference toward getting better treatment at work and improving your opportunities for a better future.

As famously stated in The Declaration of Independence, everyone is created equal. It’s a foundation of American law, existing to protect your personal rights. Discrimination isn’t always an overt action or derogatory statement, it can take understated forms that still have negative and unfair consequences on your personal life.

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