Discrimination is far from eradicated, and employment discrimination occurs in Kansas City workplaces when an employer treats a qualified applicant or employee less favorably merely because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you believe that you're the victim of discrimination, one of the first steps you should take is to contact a Kansas City discrimination lawyer. Consultations are free, and we can discuss your situation and whether or not you have a case. Call us today at (816) 221-2288.
Understanding Employment Discrimination in Kansas City MO
Discrimination and harassment can be hard to spot at times, while in other circumstances it is as clear as day. When something at work doesn't go well, such as a firing or the loss of promotion, it can be tempting to jump to the conclusion that you were the victim of discrimination. You may very well be the victim of discrimination. Either way, it's important to step back, look at the situation, and understand the case from a legal point of you.There are several federal and Missouri laws making discrimination in the workplace an illegal act. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is perhaps the most well-known law protecting workers from discrimination on the bases of race and color, as well as national origin, sex, and religion. This law applies to any employer in Missouri with 15 or more employees. It is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).The Missouri Human Rights Act has the same protections, but it only applies to employers with six or more employees.
Examples of Employment Discrimination in Kansas City MO
Employment discrimination can painfully clear just as easily as it can be subtle. Additionally, it is important to remember that anti-discrimination laws do have limits. For instance, they do not protect individuals against foolish, rash, harsh, ridiculous, or generally unfair employment decisions. Missouri is also employment-at-will, and employers can terminate employees at any time (unless there's a specific contract that details time).In general, employment discrimination is coupled with an adverse employment decision, such as firing/hiring, promotion/demotion, unfair wages and/or benefits, unfair opportunities for growth, and so on. To get a better idea of what employment discrimination looks like, we've included several examples below:
- Race — A person applies for a job. When the person calls the manager to ask why he/she didn't get the job, the manager says, "We've employed people from your country before; you don't share the same work ethic."
- Color — Same situation as above, but the manager says, "We don't employ black or brown people."
- Religion — The manager refuses to hire a person because he/she is an Orthodox Jew. Examples can also include firing a Muslim because he/she missed work to attend religious holidays, and transferring a Rastafarian to a different department with less public contact because of the Rastafarian's dreadlocks.
- Sex — A woman isn't hired because the manager says "the company's clients prefer relating with men." Another example could include getting laid off, while men in the same job and with less seniority get to keep their jobs.
- National origin — An Arab is harassed for practicing Islam; a Mexican is paid less than other workers. Another example can occur when a Chinese person isn't hired because the employer thought he/she was Vietnamese (this is still national origin discrimination).
- Disability — An employer requires employees to take a medical exam, or disclose past or current medical conditions. Failing to provide reasonable accommodation for the disabled person's needs.
Harassment and workplace retaliation are also unlawful activities in the workplace. In short, if you are being harassed based on your protected status, to the point where the workplace seems like a hostile work environment, then you may have a case. Additionally, if you are the victim of retaliation for reporting discrimiination, you may also have a case.
Ways to Prove That You're a Victim of Discrimination
Workplace discrimination can be difficult to prove, and perhaps the best piece of advice is to contact an experienced discrimination attorney, or at least talk to a trusted non-work friend or family member. Also, try to document the discrimination in the most comprehensive way possible. Write discriminatory comments down, including the date, the time, and any witnesses. Also consider documenting emails, performance reviews, and any other materials or other things that could be used as evidence.
Contact the Employment Law Attorneys at Popham Law
At Popham Law in Kansas City, we've helped many clients with their workplace discrimination cases, and we have the resources and courtroom experience to help you too. If you believe that you were (or are!) the victim of workplace discrimination, it's essential not to hesitate and contact the Popham Law Firm today. Remember, anti-discrimination statutes have a clock on them.Call today at (816) 221-2288.
