The United States has come a long way from days when segregation was legal and racial discrimination was rampant. Unfortunately, however, we still have a long way to go.

Discrimination in the workplace still occurs far more often than people realize in the U.S.  

In fact, we are still frequently asked “Can my employer base any job decisions on my race or color in Florida?” Our Florida workplace discrimination attorneys can tell you the answer is no.

To answer that question it is necessary to understand a little bit about federal and state laws that prohibit employment discrimination in the U.S.

In the United States both federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in employment of the basis of a number of characteristics, including race or color.  

At the federal level, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is where the prohibition against discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race or color can be found.

At the state level, the Florida Civil Rights Act also prohibits employment discrimination based on race or color.

The prohibition against discrimination on the basis of race or color covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.

Moreover, “discrimination” is rather broadly with regard to this type of discrimination.

Clearly, treating someone differently as a direct result of that individual’s race or skin color is considered illegal discrimination; however, other, more subtle acts are also included.

For example, treating an employee, or job applicant, differently because of characteristics associated with race, such as hair texture, skin color, or certain facial features, also qualifies.

Finally, the law also considers it to be illegal discrimination if you are treated differently, or unfairly, because you are married to, or associated with, someone of a certain race or color.

Although not directly related to job decisions, the law also makes it illegal to harass you because of your race or color. Harassment becomes illegal when the conduct it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision.

If you believe you have been the victim of illegal discrimination in the workplace based on your race or color, contact the experienced Florida employment law attorneys at Celler Legal, P.A. to discuss your legal options.