Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act prohibit discrimination based on a person's skin color, facial features, hair type, etc. It is illegal under both federal and state law to discriminate in the "terms or conditions of employment" on the basis of a person's race or color. Employment actions or harassment because of race is a violation of civil rights.

Discrimination may occur at any stage of employment, including the initial hiring decision, promotions, layoffs, compensation, benefits, job assignments, training, or termination of employment, or may be manifested through racist comments or harassment at work. Discrimination may be based upon any racial characteristic, including skin, eye or hair color, and certain facial features. A discrimination claim may be based upon:

• Disparate Treatment - The employee is subject to discrimination because of race, ethnicity, skin color, or a similar characteristic.
• Disparate Impact - Although the employer may not intend to discriminate, the employer's policies adversely affect employees on the basis of race, ethnicity, skin color, or a similar characteristic.

The following are some illegal acts or practices that occur in the workplace:

• Creating a hostile work environment through racial harassment
• Discriminating against an employee because of his or her association with people of a certain race or ethnicity, e.g., marriage or workplace friendships
• Harassment-making insulting or demeaning jokes about a person's ethnic or racial background, skin color, facial features, hair type, or other race related features
• Restricting an employee's chance for job advancement or opportunity based on race
• Segregating employees based on race

Call us today at 215-517-6651 or contact us online to discuss your legal options.