Attorneys Fighting Race Discrimination in Columbus
Race and color discrimination affects countless individuals in Columbus and surrounding areas like Dublin, Grove City, Westerville, Reynoldsburg, and Hilliard. Whether you’re working in a corporate office near Capitol Square, serving customers at Easton Town Center, or contributing to the Buckeye spirit in a retail job near Ohio Stadium, you deserve a workplace free from employment discrimination. At Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, we are committed to protecting employees’ rights and holding employers accountable for unlawful behavior and wrongful termination. Our free consultations and no-fee guarantee ensure that seeking justice is accessible to everyone.
Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm
1103 Schrock Rd
Busch Corporate Center - Suite 307
Columbus, OH 43229
Telephone: (614) 683-7331
What Should I Do If I’m Facing Race Discrimination at Work?
Experiencing race discrimination at work is not only distressing but also illegal. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against because of your race, color, or ethnicity, it’s crucial to take the following steps:
- Document Every Incident: Write down dates, times, and specific details of discriminatory actions or comments. Keep screenshots of emails, texts, or messages that support your claims.
- Secure Witness Statements: If coworkers observed the behavior, ask them to confirm the events in writing via email or text.
- Report the Issue to HR: Notify your employer in writing about the discrimination. Be sure to keep a copy of your complaint and any responses.
- Protect Your Evidence: Take copies of all relevant documents home. Avoid leaving evidence at work, where it could be destroyed or accessed by others.
- Prioritize Your Safety: If the discrimination escalates into harassment or you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the environment and seek immediate help.
- Contact an Employment Attorney: At Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, we have the experience and resources to fight for your rights. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
By following these steps, you can build a strong case and ensure that your rights are protected. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action today.
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Understanding Race Discrimination in Columbus
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, explicitly prohibit this type of discrimination in hiring, promotions, pay, job assignments, and terminations. Employers are also prohibited from allowing a hostile work environment to persist if it is based on racial harassment.
Disparate treatment, a common form of race discrimination, happens when an employer treats an employee less favorably than others due to their race. For example, disciplining a Black employee for behavior that is ignored when exhibited by a White coworker constitutes disparate treatment.
Examples of race discrimination can be shocking:
Hostile Conversations in the Workplace: A Black employee at a Columbus warehouse endured repeated racist comments from their manager, including being called “lazy” and “aggressive” for asking questions during team meetings. The breaking point came when the manager referred to an Ohio State Buckeyes player as a “monkey” during a conversation, laughing and saying, “That’s just how they are.” When the employee expressed their discomfort, the manager mocked them, saying, “You’re too sensitive.” HR was notified, but they dismissed the complaint as a misunderstanding, further emboldening the manager. This negligence allowed a hostile work environment to fester, causing the employee significant emotional distress and anxiety.
Denied Promotions Due to Racial Bias: An African-American sales associate at Easton Town Center excelled in her role, frequently surpassing sales targets and earning recognition from clients. Despite this, she was passed over for a management position three times. When she questioned her supervisor, she was told, “Our clients prefer employees who look a certain way,” implying that her race disqualified her. HR ignored her formal complaint, claiming the promotions were based on “business needs.” The blatant bias left her feeling devalued and humiliated.
Wrongful Retaliation After Reporting Racism: Coworkers in the breakroom were laughing and making racially offensive jokes, saying things like, “Black people have funny accents,” and mocking African-American hairstyles. One joked, “At least they’re good for running fast,” while others laughed and added, “Yeah, but don’t expect them to be on time.” A Caucasian employee confronted them, stating the comments were inappropriate, and immediately reported the incident to HR. However, HR dismissed the complaint, calling it “banter,” and took no action. Days later, the employee was fired for vague “performance issues,” despite having a spotless record and positive performance reviews. This retaliation left the employee feeling betrayed, undervalued, and uncertain about speaking up again in the future.
Segregation in Job Assignments: A Black employee working at a high-end hotel in Columbus noticed that Black workers were only assigned to janitorial or back-of-house roles, while White employees were given front-desk and concierge positions. When they asked about transferring to a guest-facing role, their manager laughed and said, “Our guests feel more comfortable with someone who looks like them checking them in.” When the employee pushed back, they were written up for minor infractions that their White coworkers regularly got away with. The employee ultimately lost their job for speaking up, reinforcing a long-standing culture of racial bias in the workplace.
Client Testimonials About Spitz’s Race Discrimination Lawyers
“They Refused to Let My Employer Get Away with It”
I worked as a financial analyst in Columbus, and I was the only Black employee in my department. My coworkers constantly made comments about my “street smarts” instead of my credentials, and my manager often joked about how “guys like me don’t usually end up in corporate.” When I was passed over for a promotion despite having the highest performance reviews, I knew something wasn’t right. I went to HR, but they dismissed my concerns, saying the other candidate “was just a better fit.” I contacted Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, and they refused to let my employer get away with it. They fought for me, got me the justice I deserved, and made sure my company was held accountable. – Jamal T., Columbus, OH
“They Made Sure I Was Heard”
At my call center job in Columbus, I wore my natural hair in an afro. My manager constantly made comments like, “You should really tame that,” and “Customers will take you more seriously if you look more polished.” When I came in with braids, the comments got worse. One day, I overheard her telling another supervisor that I “looked unprofessional” and that I “shouldn’t be the face of the company.” When I reported her to HR, they told me to “consider a more corporate-friendly hairstyle.” I felt dehumanized. That’s when I contacted Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm. They listened, took action, and made sure my voice was heard. I finally got the justice I deserved. – Ashley R., Columbus, OH
“Spitz Took on My Case When No One Else Would”
For two years, I worked at a distribution center in Columbus, where racist jokes were just part of the “culture.” I heard it all—from comments about fried chicken and watermelon to “jokes” about absent Black fathers. My manager never put a stop to it, and when I asked him why, he said, “It’s just guys being guys.” After reporting it to HR, I was suddenly written up for things that had never been an issue before. A month later, I was fired. I felt powerless until I reached out to Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm. They took on my case when no one else would, fought for me, and made sure my employer was held accountable. – Malcolm B., Columbus, OH
“Spitz Lawyers Held My Employer Accountable”
I worked for a logistics company in Columbus where I was constantly singled out for “joking” comments that were anything but funny. My manager would openly say things like, “Black guys like you always have an attitude problem,” or “I bet you can run fast, but can you keep up with the workload?” The final straw came when I overheard my manager joking with another supervisor about a faulty electrical component, saying it was “n***er rigged.” They both laughed while shaking their heads like it was common knowledge. I was stunned and disgusted. When I confronted them, they brushed it off, saying, “That’s just how people talk.” I reported it to HR, but they claimed it was just an ‘off-color joke’ and took no action. I spoke up, saying it was inappropriate, but I was immediately shut down and told to “lighten up.” When I reported it to HR, they told me they would “look into it,” but instead, my shifts started getting cut. I went from 40 hours a week to barely getting scheduled, while newer employees were given my hours. I was forced out. That’s when I called Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm. They fought for me, made my employer answer for their actions, and ensured I was compensated for what I went through. – Darnell S., Columbus, OH
Why Choose Spitz, The Best Race Discrimination and Wrongful Termination Law Firm?
If you’re searching for the best employment lawyer to fight against race discrimination and wrongful termination, look no further. Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, is one of the largest law firms in the country dedicated exclusively to protecting employees. With a team of highly experienced attorneys and a track record of winning race discrimination and wrongful termination cases, we have the resources to take on even the biggest employers. Our law firm offers:
- Free initial consultations
- A no-fee guarantee—you don’t pay unless we win
- Extensive trial experience
- A history of securing great results for employees facing racial discrimination
- National recognition as a leader in employment law
If your employer has discriminated against you based on race or wrongfully fired you, don’t wait to take action. Contact Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and get the justice you deserve.
Legal Disclaimer:
This race discrimination and wrongful termination page is for informational purposes only. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every employment discrimination case is different, and results vary depending on the facts of each case. Contacting Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you believe you have experienced workplace discrimination or were wrongfully fired, consult with an experienced employment lawyer to discuss your specific situation.