New Jersey Race Discrimination Lawyers Stand Up for You

Hackensack attorneys file claims for ethnic and national origin discrimination cases

No one should be discriminated against at work because of their race, color or where they or their ancestors came from. Unfortunately, race, national origin and ethnic discrimination occurs too often in workplaces. Our New Jersey discrimination lawyers at Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., work throughout norther New Jersey have decades of background effectively representing individuals who were subject to racial bias. We look forward to learning how we can help you. 

Race discrimination in Hackensack workplaces

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and federal laws prohibit race discrimination in the workplace. Even so, these legal prohibitions do not ensure the fair treatment of employees. However, they do mean that discrimination victims have legal recourse when they are treated unfairly related to hiring, firing, promotions, discipline or other workplace actions. Whether you work in construction, healthcare, manufacturing or another industry in Northern New Jersey or the Hackensack area, a NJ employment discrimination attorney can investigate and get to the bottom of the adverse action. 

Ethnic background discrimination affecting New Jersey employees

Ethnic discrimination is similar to race and national origin discrimination, but has to do with a person’s cultural traits, ancestry or perceived ethnic identity. Mistreatment based on ethnicity can be subtle, but it may be evidenced in derogatory remarks, being passed over for better projects, exclusion from workplace functions or more favorable treatment of employees of other origins. If you feel you are being treated differently because you are a different ethnicity than your co-workers, our NJ employment law firm has the necessary experience to discover the truth and hold your employer accountable. 

National origin discrimination cases in Hackensack and Northern New Jersey

Where you were born, assumptions related to immigration or your accent should not be factors in on-the-job decisions. Disparities between you and workers who are not of your national origin when it comes to job assignments, pay and promotions could signal discrimination is taking place. When a person is treated differently due to their national origin, they may have an employment discrimination case. 

Harassment and hostile work environment cases based on race or ethnicity

Racial harassment can result in a hostile work environment for victims that affects mental and physical health and work performance. A hostile work environment where conduct is motivated by race or ethnicity is discrimination. Employers are responsible for preventing harassment and eradicating it when it rears its ugly head through training, anti-harassment policies, discipline and other methods. Very often, employer have anti-discrimination policies that require internal complaints to make the employer aware of the conduct at issue, triggering their responsibilities to remedy the discriminatory conduct. If they fail to do so, they can be held responsible. If you have been subjected to ongoing slurs, jokes, intimidation and adverse job actions due to your race, ethnicity or national origin, we can help you understand your legal options. 

Retaliation against workers reporting discrimination

You have the right to report and oppose discrimination at work to your employer and to regulatory agencies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (NJDCR). In some cases, we may advise that it is imperative for you do make such a report. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for doing so. But that does not always stop retaliation, which can be hard to identify. Retaliation can include demotion, unfavorable reviews, reduced or rescheduled work hours, the creation of a hostile work environment and termination. 

Filing race, ethnicity or national origin discrimination claims in New Jersey

A claim of discrimination must be supported by direct or indirect evidence that you received unequal treatment because of your race, ethnicity or national origin or you were retaliated against for reporting discrimination. New Jersey law allows you to file a complaint with the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or to proceed directly with a lawsuit in court. Under federal law, in New Jersey, before you can sue your employer, you have to file a claim with the EEOC within 300 days of the discriminatory action and you cannot bring a lawsuit unless the agency issues a Notice of Right to Sue. We very often may advise you to forego an EEOC claim and directly file in court under New Jersey state law. Whichever path is most appropriate, we can guide you through the process and counsel you based on the agency’s complaint investigation and outcome. 

Contact a New Jersey law firm for help with your race discrimination case 

Our lawyers at Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., in Hackensack fight for the rights of workers throughout New Jersey who are discriminated based on race, national origin, ethnicity or another protected status. To speak with an attorney, call 551-245-8894 or contact us online.