Columbus: National Origin Discrimination Has No Place in Your Workplace

If you live or work in Columbus and you’re dealing with National Origin discrimination, it can feel isolating. You might be wondering if it’s even worth saying something, especially if your employer or HR has already brushed you off. But here’s the truth: what’s happening isn’t just unfair—it’s against the law.

At Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, we help workers in every corner of Columbus and the surrounding suburbs take a stand against harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Whether you work at Easton, Polaris, the Short North, or on campus at Ohio State, you deserve a workplace free of hate and bias. Consultations are free, and we only get paid if we win.

Our Columbus office is located at 1103 Schrock Rd, Busch Corporate Center – Suite 307, Columbus, OH 43229. We serve employees throughout Franklin County, as well as Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, and Union Counties.

Columbus Workplace Rights: What Is National Origin Discrimination?

National origin discrimination means being treated differently at work because of where you’re from—or where someone thinks you’re from. Maybe a coworker mocks your accent. Maybe your manager jokes about your food or your last name. Maybe you’re constantly passed over for promotions despite being more qualified. That’s all discrimination.

Both Ohio law and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 make it illegal to harass, isolate, or fire someone based on their actual or perceived national origin. This includes offhand comments, ongoing harassment, retaliation for complaining, and being wrongfully fired just for speaking up.

Real Examples of National Origin Discrimination in Columbus Workplaces

A Bangladeshi man working at a call center in Hilliard was mocked for his accent during team meetings. One supervisor even referred to him as “the foreign guy” in front of clients. HR told him they’d follow up—but they never did. He was eventually fired and told he wasn’t the right “cultural fit.”
In Newark, a Guatemalan custodian was constantly told to “act more American” and was left notes mocking his English. When he complained, his schedule was slashed and HR never responded.
A data analyst in Dublin who identified as Iranian-American was repeatedly asked if he “knew any terrorists.” His complaints led to his removal from key projects. A few weeks later, he was terminated.
In Grove City, a Kenyan delivery driver was mocked daily by dispatchers who used animal sounds and nicknames like “Africa.” He was told to toughen up and stop being sensitive. No one was disciplined.
A Chinese-American line cook in Delaware County was called “Chopsticks” by coworkers. When he asked for it to stop, his shifts were cut. HR told him to “stop making a big deal out of it.”

Each of these workers was harassed, belittled, and ultimately discriminated against. And in each case, HR or management chose to do nothing. That’s unacceptable—and we’re here to make sure it’s not ignored.

Dublin: What to Do If You’re Being Harassed or Discriminated Against

If this sounds like what’s happening to you, start protecting yourself right now. Keep a journal. Save emails and texts. If someone witnessed what happened, follow up with them in writing to confirm what they saw. Back up everything somewhere safe.

Then, report it to HR in writing. If you feel unsafe, step away. Nothing is more important than your health and safety. And when you’re ready—call us. Our national origin discrimination lawyers can help you file a claim, work with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), and fight for the justice you deserve. We’ll also help protect your immigration status workplace rights every step of the way.

Get A Free Consultation Call Us Today

Grove City: Employee Testimonials

“Attorney Helped Me After I Was Harassed for Being Somali” – Halima M., Columbus, Franklin County, OH
I wore a hijab to work, and people made comments every day. Someone even asked if I was “legal.” I told HR—it went nowhere. I felt invisible. This lawyer made me feel human again. They fought for me and didn’t stop.

“Wrongfully Fired for Being Colombian – Lawyer Got Me Justice” – Mateo R., Newark, Licking County, OH
My manager called me “Café con Leche” and made fun of my family. One day, I was fired for something I didn’t do. Spitz believed me. They got me compensation and made sure my employer couldn’t just sweep it under the rug.

“Best Discrimination Lawyer Near Me” – Xinyi L., Dublin, Franklin County, OH
I was always the one passed over for promotions. My manager once said the company needed a more “American voice.” I wasn’t sure anyone would take me seriously. My attorney at Spitz did. We won. And it changed everything for me.

“Lawyer Who Kept Me in the Loop the Whole Time” – Abdul K., Lancaster, Fairfield County, OH
People said horrible things to me at work because I’m Muslim. I didn’t know where to turn. This law firm explained my rights in plain language and always kept me updated. I never felt alone.

“Fired for Not Being American Enough – They Helped Me Win” – Anara D., Marysville, Union County, OH
A coworker told me to “go back home.” I wasn’t even born outside the U.S. Management just laughed. I was fired a week later. This lawyer helped me fight back—and win.

From Ohio Stadium to the Scioto Mile: Respect Shouldn’t Depend on Where You’re From

Whether you work in government offices near the Statehouse, staff events at the Columbus Convention Center, or help students at Ohio State University, you deserve to be safe and treated with respect. Discrimination based on national origin, accent, or appearance is illegal. Period.

Call Our Columbus Office Today

If you’ve been harassed, wrongfully fired, or discriminated against at work, don’t wait. Call Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm at 866-797-6040. Our Columbus office is at 1103 Schrock Rd, Busch Corporate Center – Suite 307, Columbus, OH 43229. We serve Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Union, and Pickaway Counties.

Still searching…

“Can I sue my employer if they harassed me because of my nationality or accent?.

Yes. If you were harassed, wrongfully terminated, or retaliated against for how you sound, look, or where your family is from, you may have a case. Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm is one of the largest firms in the country focused only on employee rights. We’ve won major cases, treat every client with care, and only get paid if you win. Let’s talk.

Legal Disclaimer:

This page is for informational purposes only and doesn’t provide legal advice. Every situation is unique. If you believe you’ve been harassed, wrongfully fired, or discriminated against based on national origin, contact a national origin discrimination lawyer or national origin harassment attorney at our law firm today.