Examples of Racial Discrimination and National OriginThese examples of racial discrimination and national origin will help demonstrate how easily it can take place in the workplace! Make sure that you have an employee handbook that covers discrimination in accordance with Federal and State laws. You be the judge of the following possible discrimination scenario that involves national origin. Cafeteria in a large corporate office building A new Manager reported to work where he will be in charge of the Food Service Workers for a cafeteria in a large corporate office building. The employees are primarily Hispanic; however, there are some Caucasians and African American employees also. All the employees are able to speak English fluently. For the most part all employees use English while dealing with the customers. But on occasion they will use Spanish when speaking to acustomer that initiates the conversation in that language. The new Manager walked into the break room during the first week and confronted the Hispanic employees that were speaking in Spanish at a break room table. He told them that he would prefer that they speak in English as a favor to the rest of the employees. They did not comply with his request. The following week he changed the break times of those employees that were setting at the table so that they were all different. When they confronted him he responded that he changed the times to increase productivity. Do you think that this is going to present the possibility of a discrimination claim? Doesn't the employer have the right to change break times as long as they stay within the law? Rules requiring employees speak only English It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of their birthplace, culture, ancestry, or language/accent that is associated with a certain ethnic group. Rules requiring employees speak only English at the workplace may violate Title VII unless the organization can provide evidence that it is necessary to conduct business. Be sure to cover this in your employee handbook. If you do not have one there are many inexpensive ways to have one developed for your organization. There are also sources for attorney prepared warning and termination letters that are very inexpensive. Thank you! The information contained in any article provided by Good Leadership Skills on Leadership-Skills-for-Life.com, has not been prepared, endorsed, or reviewed by any form of licensed legal professional including but not limited to an attorney. Nothing on the Leadership-Skills-for-Life.com website should be taken as legal advice, but instead should act as a useful resource in providing general information that may be useful to members of the general public. All visitors are encouraged to consult with a licensed attorney/lawyer in all legal matters. You should not act, or refrain from acting, based upon any information on this web site. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.
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