National Origin Discrimination

The United States is one of the most diverse countries in the world. We offer new chances and new opportunities for immigrant families from around the world, and for this we are to be commended. Unfortunately, even as the vast opportunity exists, some people new to this country experience discrimination because of their national origin when it comes to employment. Whether the discrimination occurs during the hiring process or someone is terminated because of his or her national origin, everyone has the right to seek justice for discrimination. If you or a loved one is experiencing national origin discrimination at work, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Baltimore employment discrimination attorney to strategize about the best possible course of action.

The Law is in Your Favor

The Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits discrimination against employees because of national origin and applies to any public employer who employs 15 or more people. This prohibition applies to hiring, termination, compensation, promotion, as well as transfers. Under this Act, an employer is also prohibited from advertising any preference in an employee’s national origin during the hiring process.  For example, an employer in a help-wanted ad cannot indicate a preference for a certain national origin unless they have a bona fide occupational basis for having such a preference.  Additionally, an employer is prohibited from retaliating against an employee who has taken action against an employer in the past for violating the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.

Although an employer should not discriminate against an employee based on national origin, it is important to note that not everyone is covered under this Act. An employer must have 15 or more individuals employed for each working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year for one of those employees to be able to file a claim for national origin discrimination under the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act. Even if you do work for a larger company, depending of your individual situation, you may or may not be able to file a national origin discrimination claim. Because of this, it is imperative that you seek legal advice if you are not sure you have a national original discrimination claim against your employer.  

Need Legal Advice?

The United States was built on diversity and a hard work ethic. We are a country that offers opportunities to those who are born here and those who are born elsewhere. Therefore, when discrimination exists in the workplace because of national origin, this form of discrimination harms everyone. If you or a loved one is experiencing national origin discrimination at work, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Baltimore national origin discrimination attorney at The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford to help you with your case today.  At The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, we can confidentially counsel you on your rights and, should you decide to proceed with litigation, zealously advocate on your behalf to get you the justice that you deserve.  

(image courtesy of Lena Bell)