Employees are protected from discrimination based on their race under state and federal law in Virginia. Continue reading to learn the steps you should take after an incident of race discrimination in the workplace. If you have any further questions regarding your rights as an employee in Virginia, reach out to our experienced Midlothian employment attorney today. Contact Passero Employment Law to learn more about race discrimination in the workplace and how our firm can help hold your employer accountable.
What protections are afforded under the Virginia Human Rights Act?
If you have been discriminated against in the workplace due to your race, our firm is prepared to support you in holding your employer accountable. The Virginia Values Act amended the Virginia Human Rights Act, which protects employees from discrimination based on the following factors:
- Their race
- Traits historically associated with race
- Including hair types, hair texture, and protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, and locks
What should I do after an incident of racial discrimination in the workplace?
The first step you should take after an incident of racial discrimination in the workplace is to attempt to speak with your company’s human resources department. If your workplace does not have a human resources department, you should speak directly with your management.
If you reported an incident of discrimination and there was no action taken to correct it, you should consider filing a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Virginia Office of Civil Rights. These two agencies have a “work-sharing agreement.” This means that the agencies cooperate with each other to process these claims. It is best to indicate that you wish to cross-file the claim with the other agency. As long as this is indicated, filing a claim with both agencies is unnecessary.
It is important to understand that you must file your claim with the EEOC within 300 days of the date that you were discriminated against to preserve your claim under federal law.
If you have any further questions or believe you were discriminated against, simply pick up the phone and give our firm a call today. We are here to help.
CONTACT OUR VIRGINIA EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY
At Passero Employment Law, we understand it is difficult to confront problems in the workplace or face litigation. With that in mind, we take a solutions-oriented approach to our representation – focusing on the right process and the right solution for each of our clients. To discuss your case, do not hesitate to contact Passero Employment Law today.
