Silver Spring, MD Racial Discrimination Attorneys

Skilled Lawyers Representing Employees in Racial Discrimination Complaints in Silver Spring, Maryland

Racial discrimination is not just a thing of the past. It persists in the present day in different forms, including workplace discrimination. Although there are laws prohibiting race-based discrimination in the workplace, many employees do not know the steps that go into enforcing these laws. If you have suffered from racial discrimination at your job, a Silver Spring workplace discrimination lawyer can assist you in making a formal complaint.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we strongly believe that employers should be held accountable for discriminatory practices. Our lawyers can meet with you privately to discuss your options for legal recourse before we start working toward an equitable outcome on your behalf.

Laws Against Racial Discrimination in Maryland

There are multiple state and federal laws designed to prevent racial discrimination in the workplace. Under Maryland law, an employer cannot, on the basis of race:

• Discriminate in hiring, recruiting, promoting or terminating employees
• Harass an employee
• Ask discriminatory questions during the interview process
• Retaliate against employees for filing a complaint

The same protections exist under federal law, racial workplace discrimination is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which also prohibits an employer from engaging in discriminatory practices.

Hostile Work Environments

If you are routinely exposed to racist behavior at your workplace, you may be dealing with a hostile work environment. This is defined as a workplace that is characterized by severe or pervasive harassment or discrimination that affects your ability to perform your job.

A hostile work environment may be perpetuated through verbal abuse, intimidation, bullying, and other behaviors that create an unwelcoming atmosphere.

What Can I Do About Racial Discrimination at My Job?

As a rule, you should report racial discrimination at your workplace as soon as possible. If you want to file a complaint at the state level, you have only 300 days to report the incident. If you want to file a federal complaint via the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you also have 300 days to file a complaint.

As you file your complaint, you should come prepared with evidence to support your claim. This might include communications showing that your employer did not rectify the issue, statements from coworkers about the discrimination, or other evidence demonstrating that you have been treated unfairly at your job on account of your race. The authority that investigates your claim can help you resolve the issue through negotiations for a settlement or mediation, which may involve injunctive relief or a monetary award.

If filing a complaint does not adequately address the issue, you can take your employer to court. At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can represent your best interests in front of a judge, advocating for a full remedy.

Will I Be Fired for Speaking Out?

It is illegal for an employer to fire you for exercising your right to file a complaint. If you have been wrongfully terminated from your position after reporting racial discrimination, our attorneys can take action on your behalf. We can advocate for your rehiring in your previous position and/or seek compensation for any damages resulting from your firing.

Contact a Silver Spring Racial Discrimination Lawyer Today

Racial discrimination is unacceptable in any capacity. If you have been targeted by your employer based solely on your race or ethnicity, our Silver Spring employment law attorneys can work with you to file a complaint and fight for an appropriate remedy.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we take employees' rights seriously. To schedule a free case review with our team of lawyers, call our offices at 301-587-6364 or reach out to us through our online contact form.