Ron Schwartz is an attorney with Katz, Friedman, Eagle, Eisenstein, Johnson & Bareck, P.C., who represents workers who have race discrimination claims. Call (312) 263-6330
INTRODUCTION
This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice regarding federal and State of Illinois race discrimination or harassment laws.
Based on charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, race discrimination is still the most common form of discrimination. Race discrimination involves treating a person unfavorably because he or she is of a certain race. Color discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfavorably because of skin color complexion. Discrimination can still occur when the victim and the person who imposed the discrimination are each of the same race or color.
Race Discrimination is Unlawful
Race discrimination can occur when a third party is discriminated against because of his or her association with a person of a certain race.
Federal, state and local law forbids race discrimination as to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
It is unlawful to harass a person because of that person’s race or color. Harassment includes (1) racial slurs, (2) offensive or derogatory remarks about a person's race or color, or (3) the display of racially-offensive symbols such as a noose or a confederate flag. However, the law does not prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not serious. Harassment becomes illegal when it becomes so pervasive or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision where the victim is fired or demoted. The harasser is not limited to the victim's supervisor. It could be a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or even someone who is not an employee of the employer, like a client or customer.
An employment policy or practice which applies to all employees, regardless of race or color, can be illegal if it has a disparate impact on the employment of people of a particular race or color which is not job-related and necessary to the running of the business. For example, a “no-beard” employment policy that applies to all employees without regard to race may still be unlawful if it is not job-related and has a negative impact on the employment of African-American men who have a skin condition which causes skin irritation when shaving.
If you are the victim of race discrimination call Ron Schwartz at (312) 263-6330.
Revised: 6/11/2011
Nothing on this attorney web site should be understood as offering legal advice regarding race discrimination or any other legal subject.
