NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
Advocating for Employees Facing Color Discrimination in the Workplace101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300, Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
Understanding Color Discrimination in New Jersey Workplaces
Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms—including unfair treatment based on the color of an individual’s skin. While often confused with race discrimination, color discrimination is a distinct legal violation that targets differences in pigmentation, complexion, or tone. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we are committed to helping workers who have experienced this unjust and unlawful treatment fight back and seek justice.
What Is Color Discrimination?
Color discrimination involves treating someone unfavorably because of their skin color or complexion, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. It can happen between people of different races or within the same racial group. The law protects you from any adverse employment action where color is a motivating factor.
Examples of Color Discrimination in the Workplace
- Favoring lighter-skinned employees over darker-skinned employees for promotions
- Making comments or jokes about someone’s skin tone
- Assigning less desirable tasks based on skin color
- Firing or disciplining an employee more harshly than others because of their complexion
- Segregating employees based on appearance
Even if subtle, these behaviors contribute to a hostile work environment and violate state and federal law.
Legal Protections for Workers in New Jersey
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of color, offering one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination statutes in the nation. Additionally, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes color-based discrimination illegal under federal law.
These laws apply to all stages of employment, including hiring, training, compensation, promotion, termination, and job assignments.
How to Identify Color Discrimination
Color discrimination can be difficult to detect, especially when it occurs subtly or in combination with other forms of bias. Red flags may include:
- Being consistently overlooked despite strong performance
- Hearing “code words” or veiled comments about your appearance
- Being held to stricter standards than lighter-skinned coworkers
- Unequal discipline or fewer opportunities for advancement
If you suspect you are being treated differently based on your skin color, it is important to act promptly.
What You Should Do
- Document incidents: Keep a detailed log of discriminatory actions, remarks, and treatment.
- Report the behavior: Notify your company’s HR department or use the internal grievance process.
- Seek legal guidance: An employment attorney can help you assess your situation and determine the best legal steps to take.
- File a claim: You may file with the NJ Division on Civil Rights, the EEOC, or pursue a civil lawsuit with legal representation.
How NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Can Help
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we stand with employees who have been harmed by discriminatory practices in the workplace. We provide dedicated legal support to help you hold your employer accountable and pursue compensation for the injustice you’ve endured.
Potential Compensation in Color Discrimination Cases
If your case is successful, you may be awarded:
- Back pay and lost wages
- Reinstatement or front pay
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in severe cases)
- Coverage for legal fees and court costs
Everyone Deserves Equal Opportunity
No one should be judged or disadvantaged because of the color of their skin. If you’ve experienced color discrimination, NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is here to help you fight for fairness, dignity, and justice in the workplace.
Contact Us Today
Contact Information:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
(973) 358-7027