Fighting Race Discrimination in Cleveland: Your Trusted Attorney
Race discrimination affects countless individuals in Cleveland and surrounding areas like Independence, Parma, Akron, Canton, Medina, Mentor, Elyria, Strongsville, Lakewood, and Westlake. Whether you’re in Cleveland’s bustling downtown, visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, catching a Guardians game at Progressive Field, or commuting from nearby suburbs like Hudson or Brunswick, our team at Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, is here to help. We’ve dedicated our practice to fighting for employees like you, ensuring that justice is served. Our seasoned employment law attorneys understand the emotional and professional toll this can take, and we are committed to standing by your side every step of the way. With free consultations and a no-fee guarantee, there’s no risk in reaching out for help.
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What Is Race Discrimination?
Race discrimination occurs when an employer, manager, or coworker treats an employee unfairly because of their race or color. Federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, along with Ohio’s state laws, prohibit such conduct. Disparate treatment, a common form of race discrimination, happens when an employee is treated less favorably than others under similar circumstances specifically because of their race. This includes discriminatory hiring practices, unequal pay, wrongful termination, and creating a hostile work environment. For example, if a Black employee is disciplined for minor infractions while a White coworker committing the same actions faces no consequences, this constitutes disparate treatment. Despite these protections, many employees still face daily injustices that make their workplaces unbearable. Employers often attempt to disguise their discriminatory practices with pretextual justifications, which is why legal intervention is critical to uncover the truth and hold them accountable.
Examples of race discrimination can be shocking and explicit:
- Overt Harassment in the Workplace: A Black employee at a manufacturing plant in Cleveland repeatedly found racial slurs like “N*****” and “Go back to Africa” written on their locker and equipment. HR dismissed their complaints with comments like, “It’s just a joke” or “Don’t take it so seriously.” This illegal conduct creates a hostile work environment in direct violation of Title VII and Ohio law. A hostile work environment exists when repeated discriminatory actions or harassment are severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of employment and create an abusive atmosphere. Employers are liable for failing to take prompt and effective action to stop such behavior once they are aware of it. In this case, HR’s failure to address the issue demonstrates a negligent disregard for their legal obligation to protect employees from workplace discrimination.
- Discriminatory Promotion Practices: An African American woman working in retail at Mentor Mall was explicitly told by her supervisor, “We don’t promote people like you,” and was passed over for promotion in favor of less-qualified White employees. Despite her strong performance reviews and consistent success in exceeding sales targets, the position was awarded to a coworker with no management experience and fewer accomplishments in the role. Her HR department refused to investigate her claims, further violating equal opportunity employment protections under federal and state law.
- Wrongful Retaliation Against Advocacy: A Caucasian man in Elyria who advocated for his Black coworkers after witnessing racially charged comments was wrongfully fired under fabricated performance issues. He had a long record of strong performance and had recently been commended for exceeding targets, making the sudden termination suspicious. His employer claimed vague “performance issues” without providing any documentation to back up the claims. By standing up against overtly racist behavior, including comments such as “people like them don’t belong here,” he became a target. His firing violated both federal and Ohio state laws that protect employees who oppose or report racial discrimination, demonstrating the employer’s retaliatory intent and lack of lawful justification.
- Unequal Job Assignments: A Black nurse at a Cleveland medical facility consistently received the most grueling shifts while her White counterparts were given preferable schedules. The manager’s explanation, “That’s just how it is here,” ignored the emotional and physical toll this took and violated employment laws prohibiting discriminatory treatment.
- Ignoring Racial Harassment by Students and Staff: An African American teacher in Akron endured racial slurs from both students and colleagues. When she reported the incidents, the administration brushed it off, claiming, “You’re overreacting.” This inaction perpetuated a hostile work environment by allowing repeated harassment to go unchecked, creating an abusive and intimidating atmosphere. Under Title VII, employers have a duty to take immediate and appropriate action to stop discriminatory behavior once it is reported. By failing to act, the employer became complicit and legally liable for the harm caused to the employee.
In many cases, HR or management turned a blind eye, leaving employees feeling isolated and vulnerable. Such neglect not only violates employment laws but also perpetuates a culture of discrimination.
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Steps to Take If You’re Facing Race Discrimination at Work
Dealing with racial discrimination at work can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and build a strong case:
- Document every incident. Record dates, times, and specific details of what was said or done. Keep copies of emails, text messages, and other evidence that support your claims.
- Confirm incidents with witnesses. Reach out to coworkers who observed the discrimination and confirm what they saw or heard via email or text.
- Report the issue to HR or your employer. While this step can be intimidating, it’s essential to show that you tried to address the problem internally. Document your complaints and HR’s response (or lack thereof).
- Safeguard your evidence. Take home copies of all documentation to ensure it is protected.
- Prioritize your safety. If you feel physically threatened or harassed, consider removing yourself from the environment and seeking legal counsel immediately.
- Consult an experienced race discrimination attorney. Our attorneys at Spitz can guide you through this process, fight for your rights, and ensure that justice is served.
Client Testimonials
“Spitz Attorney Held Employer Accountable for Workplace Racism”
When I worked at a factory in Cleveland, my manager called me racial slurs like “boy” and “monkey” and told me I didn’t belong there. HR ignored my complaints and even laughed it off. I was humiliated and scared to go to work every day. Spitz held my employer accountable, and they kept me informed every step of the way. They fought for me like family. – Tyrone J., Cleveland, OH
“These Lawyers Helped Me Regain My Dignity After Workplace Harassment”
In Akron, my coworkers constantly joked about my “Black accent” and called me names like “darkie” in front of customers. I was terrified to speak up because I thought I’d lose my job. This law firm treated me with respect, fought for my dignity, and ensured that I was compensated for the humiliation I endured. I finally feel like I have my life back. – Shanice B., Akron, OH
“Spitz Employment Attorney Secured Justice After I Was Discriminated Again Based On My Race”
I started working at a phone store in Warrensville Heights, where I quickly became one of the top salespeople on the team. I applied for a promotion to manage a larger store in Beachwood, but I was denied the opportunity. When I asked why, my manager said, “The customers there expect to work with someone who looks like them,” implying that my race disqualified me. HR refused to investigate my complaint, claiming it was a misunderstanding. I felt devastated and powerless. That’s when I contacted this law firm. Their attorneys listened to my story, took action, and held my employer accountable. They fought hard for my rights and made sure I received justice. Thanks to their dedication, I regained my confidence and dignity. – Jamal R., Warrensville Heights, OH
“Supportive Lawyers Who Fought for My Employment Rights”
After being harassed at work in Elyria, I reached out to this law firm. My coworkers made racist jokes about my kids, and my boss did nothing to stop it. I dreaded going to work every day. The attorneys here fought for me, always kept me in the loop, and made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I couldn’t have done it without them. – Kevin L., Elyria, OH
“Spitz Lawyers Changed My Life After Being Wrongfully Fired For Being Black”
I was wrongfully fired from a job in Parma because I’m Black. My manager accused me of being late to work, claiming it was because my “baby daddy didn’t show up to take care of my kids.” This was not only untrue but also offensive, as I am happily married and have always been punctual. The same manager also accused me of stealing supplies without providing any evidence. HR refused to investigate and sided with my manager, perpetuating the discriminatory stereotypes used against me. I thought I’d never work again and felt completely defeated. The attorneys at Spitz stepped in, fought for me, and held my employer accountable for their discriminatory actions. They secured a great settlement, restored my confidence, and gave me hope for the future. – Rachel M., Parma, OH
Call Us Now
If you’ve asked yourself, “How do I find the best attorney for racial discrimination at work?” consider this: Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, is one of the largest law firms in the United States dedicated to employee rights. Our team offers free initial consultations, a no-fee guarantee, and unparalleled trial experience. We understand the pain and frustration of being discriminated against and bring empathy, expertise, and a history of great results to every case. Recognized by national publications like Newsweek as a top employee rights firm, we have the resources and commitment to fight for justice on your behalf.
Contact us today at our Cleveland office. Don’t wait—let us help you reclaim your rights and dignity.
Legal Disclaimer:
This page provides general information about race discrimination and wrongful termination and does not constitute legal advice. Each employment discrimination case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts involved. Viewing this page or contacting Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. If you believe you have been subjected to workplace discrimination or wrongful termination, consult an experienced employment lawyer to evaluate your situation.