Racial discrimination at work is more than just unfair—it’s illegal. Every employee deserves to be treated with respect and evaluated based on their performance, not their race. At Privette Law Office, we help employees in Missouri understand their rights and hold employers accountable when those rights are violated. Whether discrimination takes the form of slurs, missed promotions, or more subtle exclusion, you don’t have to put up with it.
Let’s break down what racial discrimination looks like, what to do if you experience it, and how we can help you take action.
What Counts as Racial Discrimination?
Racial discrimination happens when an employer treats you differently because of your race, color, or traits associated with race. This treatment may come from a supervisor, manager, co-worker, or even a client, but it’s still your employer’s responsibility to address it.
Here are a few examples that could point to racial discrimination:
- Being denied a promotion even though you’re more qualified than the person who got it
- Receiving harsher discipline than coworkers of other races for the same conduct
- Hearing racial jokes, slurs, or comments in meetings or break rooms
- Being excluded from important projects or client meetings because your manager “didn’t think it was a good fit”
Both federal law and Missouri state law prohibit this type of conduct:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA)
These laws apply to hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, training, and workplace conditions.
How to Recognize Retaliation and Harassment
Racial discrimination doesn’t always stop with the first offense. If you speak up, you may find yourself dealing with retaliation, which is also illegal. Retaliation means your employer punishes you for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.
You might notice:
- A sudden drop in your performance reviews
- Being moved to a less favorable shift
- Losing responsibilities or being left out of meetings
- Ongoing harassment or isolation from coworkers
Harassment based on race, such as offensive comments, jokes, or threats, can also violate the law. If the behavior is severe or happens repeatedly, your employer must take action to stop it.
Your Rights and Your Employer’s Responsibilities
Missouri workers have the right to a workplace free from racial discrimination. That means your employer must:
- Have policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment
- Investigate complaints fairly and promptly
- Take corrective steps when discrimination occurs
- Avoid retaliating against anyone who speaks up
Employers should also provide training and create a culture that supports inclusion and respect. When they fail to do that, employees can hold them accountable under state or federal law.
Filing Complaints: What to Expect
If you’re dealing with racial discrimination, the first step is usually to report it to your company’s human resources department or through any internal complaint process. Keep a copy of your report or confirmation email.
If that doesn’t resolve the issue, or if your employer ignores your report, you can file a formal complaint with one of the following agencies:
- Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) – You must file your complaint 180 days from the incident
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – You have up to 300 days to file if Missouri law also applies, which it does in most cases.
These agencies investigate complaints and may offer mediation. If necessary, they can issue a “right to sue” letter that allows you to pursue a legal claim in court.
We can help you decide which path makes the most sense for your case.
Documenting Your Experience
Good documentation can make all the difference. If you’re experiencing discrimination, begin keeping records immediately. Here are some tips:
- Write down what happened, when it happened, and who was there
- Save copies of emails, texts, or messages related to the situation
- Keep records of performance reviews or disciplinary actions
- Store everything in a safe place outside your work email or computer
Even if there are no witnesses, your consistent notes can help prove your case later on.
How We Can Help
At Privette Law Office, we know how upsetting and overwhelming it can feel to face racial discrimination at work. We take the time to listen to your story and walk you through your legal options. Whether you need help filing a complaint, preparing for mediation, or going to court, we’ll stand by your side at every step.
Contact Our Experienced Southern Missouri Racial Discrimination Attorneys
If you believe you’ve been mistreated because of your race, don’t wait. The deadlines are strict, and acting quickly can make all the difference. Privette Law Office can help you fight back and move forward. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and get the guidance you need to protect your rights.