Workplace Discrimination in Virginia

Discrimination is an all-too-familiar scenario for many in the workplace. Likewise, it is also the most common type of workplace lawsuit that workers file. An experienced Virginia workplace discrimination attorney can help. Find out how.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Discrimination in the workplace deals with unfair treatment. These laws find their basis on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, physical qualities, or age. Workplace discrimination can occur between employees or between employers and existing or prospective employees.

Virginia Labor laws make some types of workplace discrimination illegal. If illegal discrimination occurs, workers may be able to file a workplace discrimination lawsuit. A worker does not need to current ly have employment from a company to face qualifying discrimination. For instance, the company chose not to hire someone. If it’s because of a qualifying characteristic, the individual may become entitled to a claim.

Here are some of the most common types of discrimination that occur in the Virginiawork environment:

  • Choosing not to hire someone because of their disability
  • Choosing not to promote someone because of their race
  • Excluding someone from a project because management says they’re too old
  • Making misogynistic comments about women
  • Deliberately paying men more than women because the boss values their work more

Should You File a Complaint With the HR Department or the EEOC?

Most Virginia companies have a human resources department and discrimination in the workplace falls within their portfolio. For that reason, raising concerns with the appropriate HR representative may include filing a written report, a possible sit-down interview, and an investigation.

Sometimes a company does not have a human resources department and there are no policies in place. To resolve the issue, you might take your concerns directly to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They can assist you in investigating the claim and possibly filing a lawsuit.

Depending on where they work, A Virginia employee can file a complaint with the Charlotte District Office, the Norfolk Local Office, or the Richmond Local Office of the EEOC. The deadline for filing is either 180 days or 300 days, generally depending on whether state laws also apply. The EEOC will then send a copy of the complaint to the employer within 10 days. If mediation fails, the EEOC will investigate the complaint allegations. If they find evidence of discrimination, they may attempt to resolve the situation through a settlement. However, they also have the authority to initiate litigation on your behalf.

What Laws Protect Against Discrimination in the Workplace?

There are federal workplace discrimination laws that help to protect employees. On a federal level, Virginia employees have protections from discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, many states have even stronger laws that offer additional protection.

Let’s take an example. California became the first state where ethnic hair and the right to wear it naturally became a right. In other states, employers may discriminate against natural hair because of racial discrimination. 

Under Virginia Code, an employer cannot pay an employee less than another employee of the opposite sex for the same work. This statute is referred to as Equal Pay Irrespective of Sex. Additionally, the harmed employee has a right of action to recover damages equal to twice the wages withheld. The statute of limitations for such an action is 2 years.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

This specifically prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of race, religion, sex, color, or national origin. It typically applies to organizations with 15 or more employees. It also applies to schools (both public and private) and labor organizations. The EEOC’s primary responsibility is enforcing this law.

In January 2021, Virginia’s Attorney General created the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR investigates employment discrimination complaints in the state. Additionally, as of July 1, 2021, the Virginia Human Rights Act protects domestic workers from employment discrimination. Specifically, a person employing one or more domestic workers cannot discriminate against them on the basis of a protected status. These include race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, or childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation.

Other Notable Applicable Federal Discrimination Laws

Examples of State Workplace Discrimination Laws

  • Virginia: The Virginia Human Rights Act safeguards all employees from unlawful employment discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or military status. Of note childbirth or related medical conditions includes lactation. Lactation is defined in the Act as the feeding of a child directly from the breast, or the expressing of milk from the breast.
  • California: The CROWN Act – Bans employers from discriminating against ethnic hair.
  • New York: Human Rights Law – Prohibits discrimination. It includes protections for ethnic hair, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protected characteristics
  • Washington: Washington State Law Against Discrimination – Makes discrimination illegal, including discrimination against people with disabilities who rely on service animals

What Is the Workplace Discrimination Process Like?

Filing a claim for workplace discrimination in Virginia can be a tricky process given the number of potential laws in play. This is especially the case when the characteristics of the case under protections only qualify under state law. The EEOC enforces federal workplace discrimination laws. In some cases, individual state labor departments handle the claims that only qualify under state law.

Filing a Claim

When it comes to federal claims, workers have about 180 days to file, to remain within the statute of limitations. Time is of the essence with discrimination claims. It’s a good idea to hire a discrimination lawyer to help from the beginning.

Virginia Claimants also need to provide some basic information with their claim. Depending on the agency, the employer’s name, the name(s) of involved parties, and a description of the incident. It will also include the contact information for everyone involved.

Once the investigation has begun, the agency may request more information. They generally give you ample time and opportunity to produce said information if this happens.

Investigating the Claim

The investigation may involve interviewing the Virginia employee, employer, other employees at the same place of business. However, it may also include anyone else who may have relevant information. The agency determines that the claim is valid and discrimination did, in fact, take place. The next step is generally to work for settlements or mediation. For this reason, both parties have incentive to work out a compromise.

It may become necessary to file a lawsuit with the appropriate court. This is especially true if the parties cannot reach a settlement on the employee’s behalf. If this is the case, an attorney can issue a “Right To Sue” letter. This letter gives the employee facing discrimination the right to sue on their own accord.

The EEOC provides an online Public Portal for appeals in Virginia. If you disagree with the EEOC’s final action, you must submit your appeal within 30 days of receiving that decision. A Virginia employee may also submit an appeal in person at the Office of Federal Operations in Washington, D.C.  Be aware, EEOC will not consider new evidence on appeal unless you can show that the evidence was not reasonably available when the agency’s decision was made.

Work With an Experienced Workplace Discrimination Lawyer in Virginia

Consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in discrimination in Virginia as soon as the incident takes place. Experts often recommend that you resolve the issue internally through the proper HR channels. On the other hand, many employers mishandle these cases.

If you are considering a lawsuit, an attorney becomes even more necessary. Virginia discrimination attorneys can help you with the paperwork, prepare you for depositions, and find corroborating witnesses to support your claim.

If the court rules in your favor, you might become entitled to several different compensatory benefits:

  • Back pay
  • Promotion
  • Reinstatement
  • Front pay
  • Reasonable accommodations
  • Payment of attorneys’ fees, court costs, and expert witness fees

Are you ready to find out if you are eligible for these benefits in Virginia? Start with a case review. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Virginia state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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