Race Discrimination Lawyer Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Race discrimination involves treating someone unfavorably because he/she is of a certain race or because of personal characteristics associated with race (such as hair texture, skin color, or certain facial features). Color discrimination involves treating someone unfavorably because of skin color complexion. Race/color discrimination also can involve treating someone unfavorably because the person is married to (or associated with) a person of a certain race or color or because of a person's connection with a race-based organization or group, or an organization or group that is generally associated with people of a certain color. Discrimination can occur when the victim and the person who inflicted the discrimination are the same race or color. Discrimination on the basis of race and color can take place in any setting. In Philadelphia, race discrimination frequently occurs in the context of housing and the workplace.

Race Discrimination in the Workplace

The law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment. Often, employment policies or practices are illegal. An employment policy or practice that applies to everyone, regardless of race or color, can be illegal if it has a negative impact on the employment of people of a particular race or color and is not job-related and necessary to the operation of the business. For example, a "no-beard" employment policy that applies to all workers without regard to race may still be unlawful if it is not job-related and has a negative impact on the employment of African-American men (who have a predisposition to a skin condition that causes severe shaving bumps).

Race Discrimination in Housing

Housing discrimination is prohibited by various federal and state regulations and federal law, primarily the Fair Housing Act. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, commonly referred to as the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the rental of housing on the basis of race of a prospective tenant.[1]

Section 804 of the Fair Housing Act[2] makes it generally unlawful:

(1) to refuse to rent, after the making of a bona fide offer, or to refuse to negotiate for the rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin;[3]

(2) to discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection therewith, on the same grounds;[4]

(3) to make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation, or discrimination;[5]

(4) to represent to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin that any dwelling is not available for inspection or rental when such dwelling is in fact so available;[6] and

(5) for profit, to induce or attempt to induce any person to rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.[7]

Complainants of discriminatory housing practices may seek relief in federal district court by filing a civil lawsuit. If you or anyone you know has been discriminated against in the rental of property, including publicly assisted housing projects, you need to consult an experienced Pennsylvania race discrimination attorney. At the Lassen Law Firm, we have represented many clients who were rejected housing because of their skin color. We have successfully resolved their cases and recovered financial compensation. Our Philadelphia race discrimination attorneys are eager to help you seek justice. Please call us today to discuss your race discrimination case.

The Lassen Law Firm only deducts a 29% contingency fee, not the standard 45% like other firms. We serve ALL of Pennsylvania. We can sign you up over the phone and start working on your case today.

Stop Searching. Start Calling. 215-510-6755.

Authored by: Christian Lassen