Federal and state laws protect workers from workplace discrimination, including discrimination based on national origin. Despite the diverse population in Folsom, NJ, discrimination based on national origin, ethnicity, or perceived ethnic background still occurs. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, a top employment law firm, specializes in representing individuals who have faced national origin discrimination. With a proven track record, we fight to protect your rights. Contact us today to speak with an experienced discrimination attorney.
How the Law Protects You From National Origin Discrimination
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment—hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination—based on national origin. Harassment related to national origin is also prohibited, including offensive comments or actions that create a hostile work environment. If you’ve faced discrimination or harassment based on your national origin, we can offer strong legal representation to protect your rights and pursue appropriate compensation.
Types of National Origin Discrimination
- Discrimination Based on Country or Place of Origin: Employers cannot discriminate against job applicants or employees based on their or their ancestors’ country of origin, even if they come from unrecognized areas or are refugees.
- Discrimination Based on National Origin Group: Discrimination against a group sharing cultural traits, ancestry, or language is illegal in New Jersey.
- Discrimination Based on Perceived Ethnicity: Employers cannot discriminate based on the perception of someone’s ethnicity, regardless of their actual background.
- Discrimination Based on Affiliation: Discrimination against someone because of their association with an individual from a particular national origin is prohibited.
What National Origin Discrimination Looks Like
National origin discrimination can occur in several ways, such as:
- Rejecting job applicants with foreign accents despite being fully qualified for the position.
- Making derogatory comments about an employee’s country of origin.
- Implementing unnecessary English-only rules that don’t serve a clear business purpose.
- Requiring only non-Caucasian applicants to provide work authorization documents.
- Stating that an applicant is “not a good fit for our company culture” or an employee “shouldn’t interact with clients because of their accent.”
It can be difficult to identify national origin discrimination because employers may hide discriminatory actions behind seemingly neutral policies. Employers may also adopt workplace policies, like English-only rules, which disproportionately impact immigrant employees. Such policies must be justifiable for the business’s operation. If they are not, they could constitute illegal discrimination.
How Castronovo & McKinney Can Help
If you’ve experienced discrimination or harassment due to national origin or ethnicity, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC can help. Our experienced discrimination lawyers will handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of your claims.
- Interviewing relevant witnesses, such as coworkers, managers, and supervisors.
- Gathering evidence, including personnel records, performance reviews, and communications.
- Identifying if the employer has a history of discriminatory practices.
- Managing communication with the employer and their attorneys.
We strive to resolve discrimination claims through negotiation, but will file a lawsuit if necessary. We will protect your rights, both in and out of the courtroom.
Damages You Can Recover for National Origin Discrimination
If you have experienced national origin discrimination, we will fight to recover the following damages on your behalf:
- Back pay for lost wages.
- Front pay for future earnings.
- Lost benefits, including health insurance and vacation pay.
- Compensatory damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress.
- Attorney fees and court costs.
The court may also order corrective measures, such as revising discriminatory policies and implementing training for managers and supervisors on discrimination and harassment.
Don’t tolerate workplace discrimination based on national origin or ethnicity. Contact our Folsom, NJ office today to start working on your claim with an experienced attorney specializing in national origin discrimination.