Workplace discrimination based on race or ethnicity is illegal under both federal and Illinois employment laws. Employees have the right to work in an environment free from bias, unequal treatment, and retaliation for reporting discrimination. Employers who engage in discriminatory practices can face serious legal consequences.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq.), it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees based on race, color, or national origin. In Illinois, the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.) offers additional protections, making it illegal for employers to treat employees differently based on their race or ethnicity in hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, or other employment terms.
Employees who experience racial or ethnic discrimination may have grounds for legal action, but it is essential to understand the legal remedies available and the steps necessary to protect their rights.
Employees who experience race-based discrimination in the workplace can file a complaint with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). These agencies investigate claims of discrimination and may pursue action against the employer if violations are found.
Victims of racial or ethnic discrimination may be entitled to several legal remedies, depending on the nature of their case. Some of the potential remedies include:
Many employees hesitate to report workplace discrimination due to fear of retaliation. However, retaliation is illegal under both federal and Illinois law. Employers cannot fire, demote, or harass employees who report discrimination or participate in an investigation. If retaliation occurs, employees may file an additional claim for retaliatory discharge under 42 U.S.C. §2000e-3(a) and 775 ILCS 5/6-101.
Employees who face racial or ethnic discrimination should take immediate action to protect their rights. The following steps can help strengthen their case:
Proving workplace discrimination can be complex, and employers often have legal teams ready to defend against claims. Employees facing racial or ethnic discrimination should consult an experienced employment attorney who can:
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly due to their race or ethnic background. This includes hiring and firing decisions, pay discrepancies, denial of promotions, workplace harassment, and creating a hostile work environment.
Racial discrimination refers to unfair treatment based on race, while workplace harassment involves unwanted conduct that creates a hostile work environment. Harassment can include offensive jokes, slurs, physical intimidation, or inappropriate comments about an employee’s race.
Employees can use various forms of evidence to support their claims, including emails, text messages, witness statements, employment records, and company policies that may indicate discriminatory practices.
No. Retaliation is illegal under federal and Illinois law. If an employer takes negative actions against you for filing a complaint, you may have grounds for a separate retaliation claim.
Under federal law, employees have 300 days to file an EEOC complaint if they work in Illinois. The same time frame applies to IDHR complaints.
Employees may recover back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
Filing with either agency is an option. If you want to pursue federal claims, the EEOC is the appropriate agency. If you prefer to proceed under Illinois law, the IDHR can handle your complaint.
Yes. If the EEOC or IDHR issues a Right to Sue letter, you can file a lawsuit against your employer in federal or state court.
Employees facing racial or ethnic discrimination in the workplace have legal options to seek justice. If you have been treated unfairly at work, you do not have to go through it alone. At North Suburban Legal Services, we are committed to protecting employee rights and holding employers accountable for illegal discrimination.
Call our Chicago race discrimination lawyer today at 312-909-6089 for your free initial consultation. We represent clients in Chicago and throughout the surrounding areas. Let us help you take the next steps toward justice and fair treatment in the workplace.