Race Discrimination in Alabama

The long-standing issue of employment discrimination impacts people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds in the United States. Discriminatory practices in hiring, pay, promotion, and other areas continue despite significant advancements in equality, placing many people at a disadvantage. Like many other states in the United States, Alabama has a history of racial discrimination in the workplace.

When a company mistreats a worker or job applicant due to their race or ethnicity, it is engaging in racial discrimination. Discrimination may take many forms, such as being refused an opportunity for employment, promotion, or training, harassing behavior, or unfair compensation.

Employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin is illegal under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Despite this legislation, discrimination still happens in many workplaces, including in Alabama.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which upholds federal rules against job discrimination, reports that race discrimination claims continue to be the most commonly brought allegations in the nation. The EEOC received 62,871 complaints in 2021, and 26.6% involved racial discrimination.

The EEOC specifically received 1,271 employment discrimination complaints from Alabama in 2021, with 31.5% of the complaints being racial. These numbers demonstrate the necessity for ongoing efforts to address and prevent racial discrimination in the state's employment.

The lack of representation in leadership roles is one of the biggest obstacles to overcoming racial employment discrimination in Alabama. Black women in Alabama only make 58 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men, according to a National Partnership for Women and Families survey. The country's most significant pay gap reflects the difficulties minorities have finding better-paying jobs and moving up the corporate ladder.

Additionally, a lack of resources for those who experience discrimination means that discriminatory practices frequently go unchecked. Many people who experience employment discrimination lack the financial means or access to legal counsel to file a lawsuit against their employers.

In conclusion, racial job discrimination affects many people in Alabama and nationwide. At Aventus Law, we break down barriers to empower Alabama workers. Employment litigation can be a nuanced affair that requires experience and knowledge. Contact the law office of Aventus Law and ask to speak with an attorney about your experiences at work.