Title VII of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against employment
discrimination on the basis of national origin as well as race, color,
religion and sex.
It is
unlawful to discriminate against any employee or applicant because of
the individual's national origin. No one can be denied equal employment
opportunity because of birthplace, ancestry, culture, or linguistic
characteristics common to a specific ethnic group. Equal employment
opportunity cannot be denied because of marriage or association with
persons of a national origin group; membership or association with
specific ethnic promotion groups; attendance or participation in
schools, churches, temples or mosques generally associated with a
national origin group; or a surname associated with a national origin
group.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL ORIGIN
DISCRIMINATION
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A rule requiring employees to speak only English at all
times on the job may violate Title VII, unless an employer shows it is
necessary for conducting business. If an employer believes the
English-only rule is critical for business purposes, employees have to
be told when they must speak English and the consequences for
violating the rule. Any negative employment decision based on breaking
the English-only rule will be considered evidence of discrimination if
the employer did not tell employees of the rule.
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Harassment
on the basis of national origin is a violation of Title VII. An ethnic
slur or other verbal or physical conduct because of an individual's
nationality constitutes harassment if they create an intimidating
hostile or offensive working environment, unreasonably interfere with
work performance or negatively affect an individual's employment
opportunities.
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Employers
have a responsibility to maintain a workplace free of national origin
harassment. Employers may be responsible for any on-the-job harassment
by their agents and supervisory employees, regardless of whether the
acts were authorized or specifically forbidden by the employer. Under
certain circumstances, an employer may be responsible for the acts of
non-employees who harass their employees at work.
If you
believe tat you have been the victim of national origin discrimination,
contact our office, anytime, at 800-437-2571 for a free, no
obligation consultation with one of our qualified employment law
attorneys to determine if you have a potential discrimination lawsuit or
use our convenient "Do I have a case?"
submission form.
