What You Need to Know About Workplace Racial Discrimination in Georgia
Acts of racial discrimination have a major impact on a person’s work and personal life. Being part of a group of a racial minority, you may find yourself in situations where you have to face microaggressions, rude comments, or even blatant discrimination in your day-to-day life. Here’s everything you need to know about workplace racial discrimination in Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Labor outlines laws protecting individuals who face discrimination in the workplace due to their racial identity. These laws include protection from various forms of harassment and employment opportunities.
Racial Harassment in Georgia
Racial harassment can be verbal or physical, motivated by racial differences, and encompasses many forms of actions such as:
- Offensive jokes
- Slurs or name-calling
- Physical assault or threats
- Intimidation
- Ridicule or mockery
- Offensive objects or pictures
- Interference with your work performance
Who Can Sue for Workplace Racial Discrimination in Georgia?
For an employee to sue for workplace racial discrimination in Georgia, you do not have to be a direct victim of the harassment; you just have to be affected by it.
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In Georgia, employees may sue for racial discrimination at a workplace when their employer requires them to be subject to harassment to keep their job. An employee may sue if the harassment creates a hostile, abusive, or intimidating workplace.
If an employee reports workplace harassment, it is illegal for their employer to retaliate against them for their report.
Reporting Workplace Discrimination
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is an organization meant to protect employees from workplace discrimination.
The EEOC Complaint form is in place to report organizations violating Georgia’s Fair Employment Practices. This includes protecting individuals who feel they are victims of discrimination based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, or age. If you believe an employer violated your rights, you can file a complaint with the EEOC against the employer.
The EEOC allows victims to receive compensation for financial or psychological damages.
Suing for Workplace Racial Discrimination in Georgia
Before suing for racial discrimination at a workplace in Georgia, you may consider completing the following steps:
- Collecting evidence, which can be in the form of testimonies, witnesses, or CCTV video recordings if you legally have access to them
- Making an official request to the abuser in front of witnesses to showcase you have made an effort to stop the abuse
- Filing a report with your employer or relevant authorities in your organization
If your employer still discriminates against you at work, file a complaint through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (EED.)
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Upon receiving a right-to-sue letter from EEOC, you can file for a lawsuit.
FAQS About Workplace Racial Discrimination in Georgia
Who can file a Georgia EEOC complaint?
Any individual who has faced discrimination based on race, gender, color, sex, religion, or disability from an employer with 15 or more employees is eligible to file an EEOC complaint.
What happens once I file an EEOC complaint in Georgia?
Once you file your EEOC complaint, an intake coordinator will review and pass on your case to an investigative specialist. The specialist will work with you to investigate your case. The EEOC suggests an individual file a complaint within 180 days of the incident to remain within the statute of limitations while the EEOC completes its investigation.
When should I file the EEOC complaint in Georgia?
An employee must file a charge with the EEOC or the EED within 180 days of the latest abuse incident, but a court may extend the deadline to 300 days to conform to Georgia law. Upon receiving a right-to-sue letter, you have 90 days to file a lawsuit in a federal court. Some state agencies may have a longer time frame.
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If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Workplace Racial Discrimination Georgia, get your free consultation with one of our Employment Attorneys in Georgia today!