What to Do If You’re Being Treated Unfairly at Work Because of Race in Temple, Texas 

Racial discrimination in the workplace is a harsh reality that far too many people continue to face in Temple, even in today's modern world. It’s a painful form of injustice that can profoundly affect not only an individual’s career but also their mental and emotional well-being. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re being mistreated at work because of your race, it’s essential to understand that you are not alone, and you don’t have to tolerate it. 

   

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP (SYT), we are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you are treated with the respect and dignity you deserve. We understand how complicated and daunting it can be to take action when you're facing racial discrimination, especially when you have a fear of retaliation. Whether it’s a subtle microaggression or overt bias, racial discrimination is illegal under both federal and state law, and we are here to help you navigate through the complexities of your legal rights and options. 

 

Understanding Racial Discrimination in the Workplace 

Racial discrimination occurs when an employee is mistreated due to their race or ethnicity. Unfortunately, racial discrimination can take on many different forms, both subtle and overt, and it can be difficult for employees to recognize and address the issue at first. 

   

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for an employer with 15 or more employees to discriminate against employees based on their race, color, national origin, or ethnicity. Additionally, the Texas Labor Code provides protections against workplace discrimination based on race. These laws apply to all aspects of employment, including: 

• Hiring and firing 
• Promotions, demotions, and job assignments 
• Pay, benefits, and other compensation 
• Working conditions, including the physical environment and treatment by colleagues or management 
• Training and development opportunities 

 

Despite significant legal advances and civil rights movements, racial discrimination persists in many workplaces in Temple. Cultural biases, implicit prejudices, and systemic inequalities can often lead to discriminatory practices, even when they are not intentional. However, even subtle or unintentional discrimination still violates the law, and you have every right to seek justice under those circumstances. 

 

What does racial discrimination look like? 

Racial discrimination can manifest in various ways. And unfortunately, many individuals facing discrimination may not even realize it’s happening, especially if it’s subtle or masked as “just part of the culture.” Individuals are often told to “brush it off” or “not take things so seriously”, but that isn’t fair or legal. We know how deeply these comments can affect your mental health and overall well-being. Here are some common examples of what racial discrimination in the workplace in Temple might look like:   

   

• Unequal Pay: You may discover that colleagues of a different race are being paid more than you for doing the same job. This is a clear violation of employment laws and is considered racial discrimination. 
• Hiring or Firing Bias: If you’re passed over for a job opportunity or promotion because of your race, or if you’re fired for reasons that seem unfair or unjustified, you might be experiencing racial discrimination. 
• Microaggressions: These are subtle, often unconscious acts or comments that express prejudiced attitudes towards a person's race. It could be something as simple as a colleague commenting on your appearance or making assumptions about your background based on your race. 
• Harassment and Hostile Work Environments: Racial discrimination isn’t limited to pay and promotions. If you’re subjected to jokes, slurs, or unwelcome comments related to your race, this can contribute to a hostile work environment. 
• Unequal Access to Opportunities: If you are being excluded from opportunities for professional development, advancement, or leadership roles because of your race, this could indicate racial discrimination. 

   

Unfortunately, some of these signs may not be immediately obvious. Racial discrimination can be subtle, but the impact is real and harmful. Even microaggressions and seemingly small acts of discrimination can erode your confidence, limit your opportunities, and create an unhealthy work environment. If you find that your work environment has become hostile or oppressive due to racial bias, something is wrong, and we are here to help.   

 

What You Should Do If You’re Facing Racial Discrimination in Temple 

If you’re being mistreated at work due to your race in Temple, it’s essential to understand that you have rights. Employers are prohibited from mistreating employees based on race, and there are specific steps you can take to fight back and protect your rights. 

 

If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing counts as racial discrimination in the workplace in Temple under the law, let us help you understand your rights. Start today by filling out our online employment claim case review form. It’s completely free and only takes a few minutes. This enables our team to thoroughly evaluate the details of your situation and determine the most effective next steps to take. We’re here to provide the support and guidance you need to move forward with confidence. 

 

If you are facing discrimination, here are the general steps we recommend you follow: 

   

Document Everything 

The first step is to keep a record of any discriminatory actions, comments, or behaviors that occur. This could include things like discriminatory remarks made by co-workers or supervisors, instances of unequal treatment, or any situations where you believe your race has played a role in how you are treated. Write down dates, times, locations, and the names of people involved. Gather any physical evidence, such as emails, text messages, or photos that may support your case. 

   

Report Internally 

If you feel comfortable, you should report the discrimination to your employer or the human resources (HR) department. Many companies have procedures in place for addressing complaints of discrimination, which are often outlined in their employee handbooks. While these procedures can feel daunting, they are usually the first step in addressing the issue. By formally reporting the issue, you allow your employer to address the problem internally. If you do file a complaint, it is important to keep a copy of your written complaint for your records. While this may not always resolve the issue, it helps to create a paper trail if you decide to take further action. 

 

That said, reporting discrimination to HR may not always feel like a safe or viable option. In some cases, employees may think that HR is not impartial or fear that their complaints will be ignored. In these situations, SYT is here to guide you through other options. We will help you weigh your options, understand your rights, and together determine the next steps. 

   

File a Formal Complaint with the EEOC or TWC 

If the internal complaint process does not lead to a resolution or if you are concerned that your employer is not taking your claim seriously, you have the right to file a formal complaint with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). These organizations investigate claims of workplace discrimination and can help protect your rights under federal and state law. 

   

Timing is crucial in these cases. You generally have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file your charge with the EEOC or TWC. In some cases, this deadline can be extended to 300 days if the charge is filed with a state or local agency first. Filing a timely claim is critical, so don’t wait too long to take action. 

 

Trying to handle this on your own can lead to mistakes or missed deadlines, which could jeopardize your case. Our team at SYT is here to make sure you don’t miss any critical steps. We will ensure that your complaint is filed correctly and on time when you reach out, maximizing your chances of success. 

   

Contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert As Soon As Possible 

The process of filing a discrimination claim and pursuing legal action can be complicated. On top of that, we also understand that facing racial discrimination in the workplace can be emotionally draining and challenging to navigate. We are fully prepared to stand up for you and ensure you have the best chance of receiving the justice you deserve. At SYT, we specialize in representing individuals who have been mistreated in the workplace. We can guide you through the entire process, from documenting your case to filing with the EEOC or TWC, and if necessary, pursuing litigation. Our attorneys have experience with complex cases of racial discrimination, and we are committed to standing by you every step of the way. 

   

From the moment you reach out to us, we begin by offering a free case review to understand the unique circumstances of your situation. This review allows our team to listen to your story, identify the discrimination you’ve faced, and help you understand your legal rights. Our goal is to present all available options to you, empowering you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your next steps. 

   

Once we’ve reviewed your case and determined if you have a claim, we take swift action. We understand that timing is crucial in discrimination cases, so we act promptly to file a charge with the EEOC or TWC, depending on your specific circumstances. Our team is skilled in handling the time-sensitive nature of these claims and will make sure that your case is filed correctly and on time, so you don’t miss any critical deadlines. 

   

If your case requires further legal action, we’ll represent you every step of the way. Whether it’s navigating through an investigation, engaging in mediation, or fighting for your rights in court, we’ll be there, advocating for your best interests. If your case goes to court, we won’t back down. We’ll stand firm on your behalf to pursue the outcome you deserve.   

 

What Compensation or Outcomes Are Possible? 

If you’ve been the victim of racial discrimination, there are several potential forms of compensation and outcomes that you may be entitled to, depending on the specifics of your case. First and foremost, you may be entitled to pay back if you’ve lost wages due to being unfairly fired, demoted, or denied opportunities because of discrimination. In situations where reinstatement isn’t possible or unwanted, front pay can help compensate you for future wages you would have earned had you not been subjected to discrimination. Additionally, racial discrimination can cause significant emotional distress, and in some cases, victims are awarded damages to compensate for the emotional harm caused, such as anxiety, depression, or humiliation. In particularly egregious cases, punitive damages may be awarded not only to pay you but also to punish the employer and deter future discriminatory behavior. If you were unfairly terminated or denied a promotion because of racial discrimination, we will fight to ensure you’re either reinstated to your previous position or receive the promotion you rightfully deserve. The exact compensation available to you will depend on the specifics of your case, but at SYT, we are committed to working diligently to ensure that you are fully compensated for the harm you’ve suffered and that your rights are fully protected. 

 

You Don’t Have to Endure Racial Discrimination in the Workplace 

The bottom line is that racial discrimination in the workplace is illegal. If you’re facing unfair treatment, biased attitudes, or discriminatory practices because of your race in Temple, it’s time to take action. You deserve a work environment where you are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of your racial or ethnic background. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, we firmly believe that no one should have to endure racial discrimination in the workplace. To us, it is not just about protecting your rights, but it’s about holding those who perpetuate discriminatory practices accountable for their actions. 

   

We know that standing up to an employer, a supervisor, or even a colleague can be intimidating, and discrimination can create an environment of fear, stress, and uncertainty, making it challenging to find the courage to speak up. We are here as your ally and support system during these difficult times. Our mission is to ensure that victims of racial discrimination don’t have to fight alone. We are passionate about advocating for justice and believe that every employee has the right to be treated equally, without bias or prejudice. We are committed to standing by you every step of the way, holding employers accountable for their actions and fighting for the fair treatment you deserve. 

   

We understand the emotional and mental toll that discrimination can take on your confidence, self-worth, and overall sense of peace of mind. We recognize that the decision to speak up is often a challenging one, surrounded by fears of retaliation, doubts about whether things will improve, and concerns about the future of your career. But we stand with you to protect your rights and achieve a fair and just outcome. 

   

Our goal is to change the status quo and ensure that workplaces in Temple are safe, respectful, and free from all forms of discrimination. By holding employers accountable for their actions, we send a message that discrimination has no place in the workplace. We will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected. No one should have to suffer in silence, and no one should fear standing up for what’s right. Together, we can work to end racial discrimination and create a fairer, more inclusive environment for everyone.