Race Discrimination Lawyer: Protecting Employees' Rights in Texas

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if you believe you have experienced discrimination based on race in the workplace, you are protected under both federal and Texas state laws. Discrimination can occur during hiring, promotions, or day-to-day treatment at work. Whether you are facing wrongful termination, harassment, or unfair treatment, understanding your rights is critical to holding employers accountable.

There are strict deadlines for filing race discrimination claims with agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Missing these deadlines could prevent you from seeking justice. Contact a skilled race discrimination lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled promptly.

What laws protect against race discrimination in the work place?

Federal and state laws offer strong protections against race discrimination. Here’s an overview of the laws that a race discrimination lawyer can help you use to pursue your case:

The Texas Labor Code

The Texas Labor Code (Chapter 21) prohibits race discrimination in both public and private employment. The Texas Workforce Commission, Civil Rights Division, oversees investigations into these claims.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

This landmark federal law prohibits race discrimination in employment. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees and protects against:

  • Unequal treatment during hiring, promotions, or compensation.
  • Harassment based on race.
  • Wrongful termination based on race.
  • Retaliation for reporting race discrimination.

Claims under Title VII must be filed with the EEOC, which investigates the case before legal action can proceed.

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 (Section 1981 Claims)

Section 1981 protects employees from racial discrimination in contracts, including employment agreements. Unlike Title VII:

  • There is no limit for punitive or emotional damages.
  • There is a longer statute of limitations.
  • No EEOC investigation is required before filing a lawsuit.

A race discrimination lawyer can determine whether a Section 1981 claim is appropriate for your case.

City Ordinances: 

 City ordinances in major Texas cities, such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, often have additional protections for workers within city limits.

Executive Order 11246

This order prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating against employees based on race. It requires employers with federal contracts to take affirmative action to prevent race-based discrimination. If a violation is found, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) may terminate the contract.

What are examples of race discrimination?

Race discrimination can take many forms—some obvious and others more subtle. As an experienced race discrimination lawyer, I have seen cases that include:

Obvious Examples

  • Use of racial slurs or offensive comments.
  • Displaying symbols of racism, such as nooses, in the workplace.
  • Segregating employees based on race.
  • Making decisions based on racial stereotypes.

Subtle Examples

  • Favoritism: Preferring employees of one race over others for promotions or opportunities.
  • Unequal Hiring Practices: Refusing to hire applicants based on race.
  • Unfair Policies: Implementing workplace policies that disproportionately disadvantage employees of a specific race.
  • “Good Old Boys Club”: Excluding certain races from leadership positions or advancement opportunities.

If you have experienced any of these forms of discrimination, contacting a race discrimination lawyer can help you pursue justice and seek compensation.

My manager is of the same race, can I be discriminated against?

Yes. Race discrimination can occur even when the manager and employee are of the same race. This may happen for various reasons, including:

  • Implementing discriminatory policies from upper management.
  • Favoring employees of a similar skin tone or background (a form of color discrimination).
  • Self-loathing or resentment from the manager.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from all forms of race-based discrimination, regardless of the manager’s race. If you believe you are being treated unfairly, consult a race discrimination lawyer to evaluate your case.

Filing a Race Discrimination Claim: Why Time Matters

Race discrimination claims have strict deadlines:

  • Private-Sector Employees: Claims must be filed with the EEOC or TWC within 180 to 300 days of the discriminatory act.
  • Federal Employees: You must file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office within 45 days.

Failing to meet these deadlines may prevent you from taking legal action. A skilled race discrimination lawyer can help you file a timely claim, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation.

Contact me, a Houston race discrimination attorney

If you believe you have been subjected to race discrimination in the workplace, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. As an experienced race discrimination lawyer, I can help you:

  • Understand your rights under federal and Texas state laws.
  • File claims with the EEOC, TWC, or other relevant agencies.
  • Gather evidence to build a case.
  • Seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

The clock is ticking on your ability to file a claim, so don’t wait. Contact me today to schedule a paid consultation and discuss your legal options. Together, we can hold your employer accountable and fight for the justice you deserve.

For additional information on employment law matters, please visit the Employment Law homepage.

Conclusion

Race discrimination in the workplace is illegal and unacceptable. Whether the discrimination is obvious or subtle, employees have rights and protections under federal and Texas laws. If you have experienced harassment, wrongful termination, or unequal treatment, contacting a race discrimination lawyer is the first step toward protecting your rights. Don’t wait—take action today to pursue justice and fair treatment in the workplace.

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