Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees and job applicants from discrimination based on protected classes like race, age, sex, gender, and religion. It also protects them from national origin discrimination, which might be less clear to those unfamiliar with the term.
In addition to workplaces, the Act protects individuals from discrimination in health care, housing, and education. National origin can go hand-in-hand with race and skin color since the latter qualities indicate a person’s ancestry and heritage. This makes it harder to define, but as a guideline, it would be someone whose nation of origin is not the United States. It could also be someone who has a relationship, like marriage, with a person of another national origin – and the perception of the national origin could be real or perceived.
Employees should feel free to wear clothing that indicates a country of origin, but this is not always the case. A worker might be treated poorly for wearing a headscarf or hijab. In other cases, these employees may be paid less for performing the same work as others. Other examples of national origin discrimination include being discriminated against for belonging to a mosque or hairstyle originating in a particular country.
What Should I Do if I am Discriminated Against at Work?
Employers with at least four employees are covered by anti-discrimination laws, even though Title VII only applies to workplaces with at least 15. If you feel that you are being discriminated against, start recording evidence. This might include emails, texts, and a copy of your employee manual. Speak to the abuser(s) if you feel comfortable; otherwise, contact a supervisor or the HR Department.
Many companies stand firmly against discrimination and will support and follow through on these complaints, but others do not. When that happens, an employment discrimination lawyer may be able to help.
Contact a South Jersey Employment Discrimination Lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC for Trusted Legal Guidance
The workplace is no place for discrimination. If you are experiencing national origin discrimination at work, speak with a South Jersey employment discrimination lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 856-235-7075. Located in Mount Laurel and Atlantic City, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Burlington County, and Camden County.