One hundred fifty years after the end of the U.S. Civil War and more than 50 years after Congress passed the historic Civil Rights Act , race discrimination persists in multiple settings, including the workplace. Some readers may be surprised to learn the subtle effects of race-based discrimination in the modern workplace.

Sometimes discriminators target co-workers based upon physical features: the texture of one’s hair, the shape of their nose or lips, or the darkness of their complexion as compared to others’. Sometimes a discriminator will perceive someone to be of a certain racial or ethnic background, when they are not. The discrimination is painful and unlawful, regardless of the falsity of the discriminator’s belief. It is action towards the victim that is prohibited.

Yet other times, racial discrimination is not based on the race of the employee, but rather of that person’s spouse or significant other.

The consequences of workplace discrimination take several forms. Non-hiring, non-promotion, or lower compensation are a few of the more common outcomes. In yet other situations, a targeted employee will not receive the same type or amount of training as others.

Regardless of the basis for the discrimination, it is always wrong and always actionable — as long as you can develop the facts and witnesses to back up the claim. If you believe you have been a victim of race discrimination at work, you should take immediate action to protect yourself, including prompt reporting to management.

You should start by contacting a firm of knowledgeable and experienced plaintiffs’ employment lawyers. Such lawyers will understand the complexities and nuances of a case like yours, will coach you step by step, and will fight hard to get you equal justice under the laws, including proper compensation for your damages and losses.