When considering workplace discrimination, racial discrimination often comes up. Today, this type of discrimination is expressly prohibited. But it did happen quite often historically, and workers are still concerned when they see evidence of it taking place in the modern era.
That being said, there are a few different protected classes that may share some overlap with racial discrimination. It is important to understand how these things are divided and what forms illegal discrimination may take.
Skin color
For example, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of skin color. This is often correlated to race, but not always.
For instance, an employer may discriminate based on an employee’s skin tone, which makes the employer believe that they are part of a specific race. In reality, that employee may not have that racial background at all, but they could still experience illegal discrimination based on the employer’s mistaken assumption.
National origin
Additionally, employees should not be discriminated against based on what country they or their family come from. In many countries, there are people born there from a wide variety of racial or ethnic backgrounds. But just because someone is from a specific geographical region does not mean they should experience discrimination.
Immigration or citizenship status
Finally, someone’s status as a citizen or an immigrant should not allow for discrimination. As long as someone has the proper authorization to work in the United States, they should be given an equal opportunity, whether they are a citizen or an immigrant. Again, employers also should not discriminate against immigrants from specific countries or geographic areas.
Discrimination can take many forms and often involves issues like hiring decisions, wage rates, promotions or raises. When it occurs, those involved need to know exactly what legal steps they can take.