Racial Discrimination

Thanks to civil rights actions of the past, it is against the law for any person to be denied employment, public accommodations or housing because of race, color or national origin. In New Jersey, the Division of Civil Rights has the authority to investigate complaints of racial discrimination.

The New Jersey Law against Discrimination protects people against racial discrimination when applying for a job, during employment and at termination of their employment. According to the Law, people, regardless of race, cannot be denied job opportunities or membership in unions nor can they be kept out of job training or apprenticeship programs.

This Law also pertains to the use of public accommodations, such as restaurants, hotels, camps, shops, public transportation, banks, entertainment centers, and government or public offices. A person may not be denied service, required to pay a higher rate, or turned down or harassed when using such facilities. Likewise, a person cannot be prevented from buying, selling or leasing property, or furnishings or services related to that property, because of color, race or national origin. In New Jersey it is even against the law for a newspaper to merely publish an advertisement that may include limitations or suggest discrimination in regards to selling, renting or leasing property.

Many racial discrimination complaints deal not with denial, but with treatment on the job or in housing situations. The Law also covers such situations as being denied promotions and other employment benefits, or being harassed verbally or physically on the job, in school, or in housing situations, when such denials or harassments are committed because of a person’s race.

If you believe you or a loved one is the victim of racial discrimination, you have the right to report the discrimination and have your complaint investigated without retaliation. Because racial discrimination is against the law, you should utilize the services of an experienced attorney. If you have been subject to discriminatory actions against you, contact Kearns Rotolo Law to receive advice. Protect your rights. Call Kearns Rotolo Law today.