St. Louis Race Discrimination Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of BIPOC Employees in Missouri 

At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we understand the profound impacts that race discrimination can have on employees’ well-being, safety, and financial security. Despite numerous legal protections, employees of color still face significant stereotypes and biases in the workplace. If you were discriminated against because of your race in St. Louis, securing experienced representation is critical to seeking justice. 

This is where a skilled race discrimination lawyer can make all the difference. Our firm is committed to holding employers accountable for discriminating against Black, Latino, and other minority workers in Missouri by advocating for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. With over 40 years of experience, our nationally recognized lawyers can work diligently to make your voice heard while safeguarding your rights in and out of the courtroom.

If you experienced race discrimination in St. Louis, don’t wait to seek justice. Call (314) 819-0963 to schedule a consultation with our skilled attorneys. 

What Is Race Discrimination?

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), race discrimination is defined as treating an applicant or employee unfavorably because they are of a certain race or because of personal characteristics associated with race, such as hair texture, skin color, or facial features. This is true even if the victim and the offender are of the same race or color. Race discrimination can also involve discriminating against a worker because they are married to or associated with a person of color. 

Types of Race Discrimination

Race discrimination can take a variety of forms. Some types can be more difficult to recognize than others, making it crucial to know your rights as an employee of color. Common examples of race discrimination in the workplace include: 

• Unequal opportunities: Being passed up for a job, promotion, or raise despite possessing satisfactory qualifications and experience for the role.
• Unequal pay: Learning that white co-workers with equal roles and responsibilities earn a greater salary than you. 
• Biases in hiring: Being passed up for a job that you are equally or more qualified for compared to your white counterparts. 
• Exclusion from decision-making: Being excluded from meetings, digital communications, and other important decision-making processes that white employees participate in. 
• Unequal allocation of resources: Unequal access to job assignments, opportunities for advancement, professional development, mentoring opportunities, and other resources available to white workers. 

What Laws Protect Against Race Discrimination in the Workplace? 

Various state and federal laws protect employees from race discrimination. Some key legal protections include: 

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Title VII is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of race and other protected classes. This applies to all aspects of employment, from hiring practices to job assignments to promotions. 
• Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA): This state law protects workers against discrimination based on race or color. It applies to all employers with six or more employees, including state and local governments, employment agencies, "temp services," labor organizations, and others.

Don’t let a biased employer ruin your career in St. Louis. Our attorneys can aggressively pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us online to discuss your case.