New Jersey Racial Harassment Lawyer
It often starts with a co-worker telling an “off-color” in the office or in a work-related online chat. The joke contains a racial stereotype or even an outright racial slur. The person targeted by such language does not think it is funny. They think they are being singled out for bullying or harassment based on who they are.
Racial harassment is no laughing matter. It is illegal. Federal and New Jersey state laws forbid discrimination in employment on the basis of race or national origin. This includes race-based harassment. So if you have found yourself the target of a supervisor or co-workers and want to put a stop to the bullying, contact the New Jersey racial harassment lawyers at Poulos LoPiccolo today to learn more about your legal options.
Racial Harassment Is Often Subtle–But Still Illegal
In the context of employment law, “harassment” refers to workplace conduct that is both unwelcome and sufficiently severe or pervasive enough to interfere with a person’s ability to do their job. Some harassment is overt: A supervisor uses an outright racial slur when talking to a Black or Hispanic employee or makes negative comments generally targeting their race.
But illegal racial harassment can also be less overt and more subtle. Maybe it does start off as a mildly uncomfortable joke that plays on a racist stereotype. Over time it escalates into comments about how members of your race are less intelligent or less capable of performing certain tasks. This thinking then starts to seep its way into other aspects of your work life, such as being passed over for promotion or more desirable assignments.
If you have been the target of racial harassment at work, it is important to keep written records of any incidents. This can make it easier to later prove illegal racial harassment to a court or regulatory agency like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Even if you do not plan to file a formal lawsuit for racial discrimination against your employer, having such evidence can still prove useful if your employer tries to fire you or take adverse action against you for simply standing up to the harassment.
Above all, it is important that you consult with a New Jersey employment discrimination lawyer who deals with racial harassment cases. The law in this area is more complex than many people realize, so the sooner you start working with an attorney, the better position you will be in when dealing with your employer or any potential legal action.
New Jersey Racial Harassment Lawyers Serving Ocean, Monmouth & Middlesex County
Racial harassment is not something you just need to accept to “fit in” at work. Bullying does not stop when the victims remain silent. Indeed, the reverse is often true. Only when you stand up to the bullies can you take charge of the situation. And when the harassment has proved costly to your career or your personal mental health, you have the right to demand financial compensation.
We can help. If you need to speak with a skilled New Jersey racial harassment lawyer, contact Poulos LoPiccolo PC today to schedule an initial consultation.
