Fighting National Origin Discrimination in Union County, NJ

Legal protections against workplace discrimination are in place at both the federal and state levels, particularly for individuals facing bias due to their national origin. In Union County, NJ, individuals from diverse backgrounds still encounter prejudice based on ethnicity, national origin, or perceived ethnic identity. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC specializes in employment law, providing aggressive representation for clients who have been discriminated against by their employers. Our experienced attorneys work to defend your rights and help you secure the justice you deserve.

The Legal Framework Against National Origin Discrimination

National origin discrimination is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. These laws cover a wide range of employment practices, including hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, training, and harassment. Employers are also prohibited from creating a hostile work environment through derogatory comments or discriminatory behavior based on national origin. If you have been subjected to such discrimination or harassment, Castronovo & McKinney can provide expert legal representation to defend your rights and pursue appropriate remedies.

Forms of National Origin Discrimination

National origin discrimination can take many forms. It includes, but is not limited to:

• Discrimination Based on Country or Place of Origin: Employees or job applicants may face unfair treatment due to their country of origin or ancestral background, including individuals from unrecognized territories or refugees.
• Discrimination Based on a National Origin Group: Employers cannot discriminate against groups who share cultural, linguistic, religious, or other distinguishing characteristics.
• Discrimination Based on Perceived Ethnicity: Discrimination can also occur when an employer targets someone based on assumptions about their ethnicity, even if those assumptions are incorrect.
• Discrimination Due to Affiliation: Bias can arise from an individual’s relationships with people from a particular national origin or ethnic background.

All of these actions violate the law and may be grounds for a legal claim. If you are facing such treatment at work, you may have the right to seek legal action.

Signs of National Origin Discrimination

National origin bias can be subtle, and many employers attempt to disguise discriminatory behavior. Some signs of national origin discrimination include:

• Dismissing qualified applicants with foreign accents.
• Making derogatory remarks about an employee’s country of origin.
• Enforcing unnecessary English-only rules that disproportionately impact non-native speakers.
• Requesting additional documentation from non-Caucasian applicants, such as proof of work authorization, when it’s not required of others.
• Claiming that an applicant “doesn’t fit the company culture” or that an employee shouldn’t interact with clients due to their accent or ethnicity.

While these behaviors may not always be overt, they can create a hostile or discriminatory work environment. Employers must have legitimate business reasons for policies that may appear neutral but disproportionately impact employees of certain national origins.

How Castronovo & McKinney Can Help

If you have experienced national origin discrimination or harassment at work, Castronovo & McKinney is ready to assist. We provide thorough, dedicated legal support, starting with a complete review of your case. Our process includes:

• Interviewing witnesses, including supervisors, co-workers, and hiring managers.
• Collecting evidence such as performance evaluations, emails, and personnel files.
• Examining the employer’s history of national origin discrimination.
• Negotiating with the employer or their legal team to resolve the issue.

If necessary, we are prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through settlement or litigation.

Compensation for Victims of National Origin Discrimination

Victims of national origin discrimination may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Back pay for wages lost due to wrongful termination or other discriminatory actions.
• Front pay to cover lost future earnings.
• Lost benefits, including health insurance and vacation time.
• Compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by discrimination.
• Attorneys’ fees and other costs associated with litigation.

Additionally, the court may order corrective actions, such as changes to company policies or mandatory discrimination and harassment training for management. Don’t tolerate discrimination in the workplace. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today to learn how we can help you seek justice and fair treatment.