Oregon Racial Discrimination

Are you the victim of race discrimination in Portland?

One would hope that, in this day and age, discrimination in employment on the basis of race would be on the decline. While it is a discouraging reality is that such discrimination does continue to exist, employees can draw some hope from the fact that such racial discrimination is against the law on almost every level – federal, state, and local.

On the federal level, Title VII of the 1968 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race or color (as well as on the basis of other things like national origin, sex, or religion). Discrimination in this context includes (among many actions) firing, failing to hire or promote, denying fringe benefits, and harassing an employee or potential employee because of his or her race or color. Title VII also prevents employers from retaliating against employees who complain about such discrimination – whether it happens to them, or whether they are opposing it on behalf of someone else. The federal law provides employees with a private right of action – meaning that they can sue their employer in civil court for violating any of Title VII’s provisions – but also allows them to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which will then undertake its own investigation. In certain situations, you may have to file certain complaints before filing a lawsuit, so it is important to consult an attorney who can make sure your rights are protected throughout the process.

On the state level, Oregon has enacted a state law (codified in ORS§ 659A.030) that prohibit racial discrimination in the workplace. The Oregon state law works similarly to the federal Civil Rights Act provisions regarding employment discrimination, but it covers a wider range of Oregon’s citizens. While Title VII only applies to employers who have retained 15 or more employees, all Oregon employers (anyone who has one or more employee) is subject to the state law. The state also has its own investigative agency, like the federal EEOC, that is tasked with enforcing Oregon’s anti-discrimination statutes – the Civil Rights Division of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. An experienced and dedicated attorney can help you understand how to navigate these different agencies and can help defend your rights in court.

It may be difficult to determine if you have been the victim of race discrimination in the workplace. In general, there are two questions you can ask that may provide you with an answer:

• Were you fired, denied a promotion or raise, denied a job, harassed, given lesser pay or benefits, or treated in a lesser manner than your co-workers?
• Do you think your race was a contributing factor to being treated in this way?

If you are able to answer “yes” to these questions, then there is a strong chance that you experienced discrimination due to being of a particular race. Even if you have not experienced forthright adverse behavior on the part of your employers, such as job denial or harassment, you may still have been the victim of “constructive discharge,” which is a term used to describe a scenario in which your employer makes your working conditions/experience intolerable to the extent that you are forced to quit your job.

If you have been discriminated against due to your race, it is imperative that you contact a Portland employment lawyer as soon as possible. Racial discrimination is wholly illegal, and a lawyer may be able to secure substantial compensation on your behalf following the illegal actions of your employers.

Video – Race Discrimination in Oregon

Portland Employment Lawyer – Fighting Race Discrimination in Oregon

At HKM Employment Attorneys, our legal team works to protect the rights of workers who have suffered discrimination at the hands of their employers. We have successfully represented a large number of discrimination victims, and are available to provide you with swift legal assistance in your race discrimination case. Our goal will be to secure a case outcome in which you receive ample compensation for any damages you have sustained, such as lost or reduced wages, or mental and emotional strain.

Contact a Portland race discrimination attorney if you are seeking compensation after suffering workplace discrimination due to your race.