Workplaces should be fair, respectful, and inclusive—but if you feel you’re being targeted for unfair treatment because of your race, you should contact a Washington, D.C. employment discrimination lawyer. At Eric Siegel Law, we’ve spent 30 years helping clients get fair treatment and compensation after experiencing discrimination. Read on to see how we can help, and contact us today to get started on your case.
Bias Isn’t Always Obvious
Sometimes racial bias is easy to see—like when a qualified employee is passed over for a promotion in favor of someone with less experience, and race seems to be the only difference. But other times, it’s more subtle. It might show up as jokes or comments, being left out of meetings, or getting assigned less favorable tasks without a clear reason.
The Law Protects Workers From Racial Discrimination
Federal and state laws make it illegal to discriminate against employees based on race, skin color, or national origin. That protection covers all aspects of employment, from hiring to firing and everything in between. It doesn’t matter if the discrimination is coming from a manager, coworker, or even a client—the employer still has a duty to address it.
The law also protects you if you speak up. If you report racial bias and face retaliation—like being demoted, reassigned, or harassed—those actions may also be illegal. As employment litigation lawyers, we’ve worked with clients who were hesitant to come forward, but once they understood their rights, they felt more confident taking that step.
Your Experience Matters
If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of your race, your experience is valid—even if no one else has said anything or your employer brushes it off. Sometimes people worry they’ll be seen as “making trouble” or that it’s not serious enough to raise. But small incidents can build up, and sometimes a single act is enough to take action.
We encourage people to keep notes, save emails, and talk to someone they trust. If your employer has a complaint process, it can help to follow it—but even if you don’t, the law still applies. We’ve helped workers who felt isolated, unsure of what to do, and worried about their next paycheck. The first step is simply having a conversation.
You Don’t Have To Go Through It Alone
Racial bias at work can take a toll. It affects your confidence, your income, and your career path. No one should have to carry that weight alone. Talking with someone about what happened—someone who knows how these cases work—can help you see what options are available.
An employment discrimination lawyer can help you figure out whether the behavior you’ve faced violates the law and what steps you can take next. That might involve filing a complaint with a government agency, seeking a settlement, or taking legal action in the event of retaliation.
Contact Us Today
At Eric Siegel Law, we’ve helped clients with employment litigation, discrimination, and more. If you think you’ve faced racial bias at work, we’re ready to listen. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support you.