Workplace discrimination is more common than many realize. It can manifest in various ways, such as not hiring qualified candidates, denying promotions, or fostering a hostile environment based on characteristics like race, religion, national origin, or disability. These actions can profoundly affect the lives and career paths of diligent and capable employees like you.
If you suspect you have faced discrimination at work, it is crucial to understand your rights and options. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our Denny Terrace employer discrimination lawyer is committed to enforcing both federal and state laws designed to protect employees from discrimination. Contact our Denny Terrace employment lawyer for a free case evaluation and to determine if you have a viable claim.
South Carolina Employer Discrimination
Discrimination can appear in many forms, and often, employees may not recognize it or may have come to accept such mistreatment as normal. If you are uncertain whether you have a valid claim for employer discrimination, consulting with an experienced Denny Terrace employer discrimination lawyer can help. Our lawyers will help you assess whether your employer’s actions were inappropriate and whether you may have a legitimate case.
As an employee in South Carolina, you are entitled to civil rights protections under federal and state laws. Issues related to employer discrimination are prevalent in our state. South Carolina has established the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission (SCHAC), a dedicated state agency focused on handling and investigating workplace discrimination claims to address these issues.
SCHAC plays a crucial role in ensuring that employees’ rights are upheld by offering resources and support for those who experience discrimination. The commission works to enforce state and federal anti-discrimination laws, providing a vital service to individuals facing unfair treatment in the workplace. If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, SCHAC can be an essential resource for seeking justice and understanding your options.
Protected Characteristics Under the Civil Rights Act
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, or religion. These guidelines safeguard employees from discrimination regarding the denial of reasonable workplace accommodations for religious beliefs or disabilities. Additionally, they protect against any adverse employment actions taken as a result of filing discrimination complaints or participating in investigations or legal actions.
Both federal and state laws extend these protections to ensure that employees are not subjected to unfair treatment or harassment due to protected characteristics. These laws aim to foster a fair and inclusive work environment, ensuring that all employees are treated equitably and with respect, regardless of their protected characteristics. These protections include:
- Race: Ensuring that employees are not treated unfairly or harassed because of their racial background.
- Color: Protecting against discrimination based on skin color or complexion.
- National Origin: Safeguarding employees from discrimination due to their country of origin or ethnicity.
- Sex: Preventing unfair treatment based on gender, including issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
- Religion: Guaranteeing that employees are not discriminated against due to their religious beliefs or practices and that reasonable accommodations are provided.
- Disability: Protecting employees with disabilities from discrimination and ensuring they receive reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties.
Workplace Discrimination Examples
Employer discrimination can look like many different things, from sexual harassment to unequal pay. If you have been treated differently due to a protected characteristic, you may have a valid claim for employer discrimination. Examples can include:
- A supervisor demanding sexual favors in exchange for career advancement.
- An employer sending offensive images, emails, or texts.
- Overlooking a religious employee for a promotion due to absences for religious holidays.
- Refusal to hire or promote someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Retaliation against an employee who has filed a discrimination complaint.
- Termination or layoffs of a pregnant employee solely due to her pregnancy.
- An employer using offensive language regarding a disability or mental illness.
If you have encountered any of these examples of workplace discrimination, you may have the right to file an employer discrimination claim. Contact a Denny Terrace employer discrimination attorney to discuss your situation. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we believe that every employee deserves to be treated equally, regardless of their protected characteristics.
Filing an Employment Discrimination Complaint in South Carolina
If you believe your employer is mistreating you due to discrimination, filing a complaint as soon as possible is essential. You can file a discrimination charge in South Carolina with the SCHAC or the federal U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Even if you plan to pursue a lawsuit, you must first file a charge with SCHAC.
Begin the process by completing the employment initial inquiry questionnaire. Once SCHAC’s Intake Department receives your complaint, they will review the details to determine if there is sufficient basis for action. You will be issued a formal Charge of Discrimination if your complaint is deemed valid.
This Charge of Discrimination will then be filed with both SCHAC and the EEOC and served directly to your employer. Your case may proceed through mediation investigation or be transferred to the EEOC for further handling. To navigate the complaint process and ensure your rights are protected, it is advisable to consult with an experienced employer discrimination lawyer in Denny Terrace.
File Your Employer Discrimination Charge Promptly
If you believe you have experienced discrimination from your employer, it is important to act promptly. Under state law, you have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory incident to file a complaint with the SCHAC. If you miss this deadline but are still within 300 days of the incident, the EEOC can process your complaint.
If you have additional questions about your potential case, please review our FAQs or contact an employer discrimination attorney in Denny Terrace directly for tailored answers. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we are dedicated to assisting employees in seeking justice against discriminatory employers. Browse through our client testimonials to see how we have helped others, and rest assured that we will diligently work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Work with Shelly Leeke Law Firm for Your Employer Discrimination Case
No employee should endure workplace discrimination based on protected characteristics. By standing up against discrimination in the workplace, you not only seek justice for yourself but also set a precedent that such behavior will not be accepted. Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm today for dedicated representation in your discrimination case, and take advantage of a free consultation to get started.
