Practice Areas Washington, D.C. Employment Law Washington, D.C. Discrimination Washington, D.C. Race Discrimination

Washington, D.C. Race Discrimination Attorney

Find Out if You Have a Claim from an Experienced Race Discrimination Attorney

Victims of employment-related race discrimination have clear legal rights. If you were denied a job opportunity, passed over for a pay raise or promotion, or fired because of your race, you may be entitled to financial compensation and other remedies—and you should consult with an experienced Washington, D.C. race discrimination attorney promptly.

Our attorneys represent job applicants, current employees, and former employees who have experienced race discrimination in Washington, D.C. We handle claims against employers of all sizes, and we are passionate about seeking justice for our clients. If you have questions about filing a race discrimination claim, our attorneys can explain everything you need to know, and if you decide to file a claim, we will rely on our experience to fight for justice on your behalf.

Examples of Race Discrimination in Employment

Like all forms of employment-related discrimination, race discrimination can take many different forms. Race discrimination remains alarmingly common, and as a result, if you have reason to suspect that you are (or may be) a victim, you should not ignore or dismiss your concerns.

We represent individuals who are victims of all forms of racial discrimination in employment. This includes (but is not limited to) taking the following adverse employment actions based on a job applicant’s or employee’s race:

• Refusal to hire
• Refusal to promote
• Exclusion from internal job and career opportunities
• Assignment to less-favorable tasks or locations
• Paying less for substantially similar work
• Unfavorable performance reviews
• Disciplinary actions
• Demotions
• Pay deductions
• Termination of employment

Along with these (and other) adverse employment actions, employees can file race discrimination claims on various other grounds as well. For example, all of the following can also provide clear grounds to pursue legal action against an employer in Washington, D.C.:

• Discriminatory job postings and candidate screening practices
• Use of racial slurs in the workplace
• Inappropriate comments that disparage employees based on their race
• Harassment of subordinates or coworkers based on their race
• Adoption or implementation of policies that have a disparate impact on minority employees

While the federal government sought to roll back the federal protections against policies that have a “disparate impact” in 2025, this rollback was not absolute (and is the subject of ongoing legal challenges), and disparate impact remains a valid cause of action under the Washington D.C. Human Rights Act (DCHRA). As a result, even if your employer’s policies or practices are not overtly or intentionally race-based, if they have a disparate impact on minorities or members of a particular race, our attorneys may be able to help you take legal action.

Laws that Prohibit Race-Based Discrimination Against Employees in Washington, D.C.

Multiple laws prohibit employers from engaging in race-based discrimination. For job applicants and employees in Washington, D.C., the primary laws that provide protection against discrimination in employment are:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits companies with 15 or more employees from discriminating on the basis of race (among other protected characteristics). It also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file complaints or speak out against race-based discrimination.

Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Section 1981)

Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 specifically addresses race-based discrimination. It also prohibits race-based discrimination in employment and, unlike Title VII, does not include a cap on damages. Section 1981 claims are also subject to a longer statute of limitations than claims under Title VII.

Washington, D.C. Human Rights Act (DCHRA)

The Washington, D.C. Human Rights Act (DCHRA) prohibits employment discrimination and applies to all employers, regardless of size. As a result, even if you are not protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 because you work for a small business, a Washington, D.C. race discrimination attorney at our firm may still be able to help you pursue a claim under the DCHRA.

How Our Law Firm Can Help with Your Employment Discrimination Case

If you have an employment discrimination case involving a race-based adverse employment action or disparate impact, what can our law firm do to help? Here are just some of the services we provide to our clients in these cases:

1. The Advice You Need to Make Informed Decisions

From helping you decide whether to file a discrimination claim to helping you consider any settlement offers that may be on the table, your attorney will provide the advice you need to make informed decisions every step of the way. You can expect to remain in close communication with your attorney throughout the process.

2. A Clear Explanation of the Remedies You Are Entitled to Seek

Your attorney will clearly explain the remedies you are eligible to seek based on your specific circumstances. This includes calculating any economic, non-economic, and punitive damages you may be entitled to recover.

3. Building Your Case Against Your Employer

If you have grounds to take legal action, your attorney will build your case against your employer. Your attorney will rely on any records, communications, and other evidence you are able to provide, and your attorney will be able to seek documentation from your employer (or prospective or former employer) through the formal legal process if necessary.

4. Representing You Before the EEOC or Washington, D.C. OHR

In many cases, seeking justice for race discrimination involves filing a complaint with either the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Washington, D.C. Office of Human Rights (OHR). Our attorneys can file and pursue race discrimination cases with both of these entities.

5. Representing You in Court if Necessary

Our attorneys can also file and pursue race discrimination cases in court when necessary. If suing your employer (or prospective or former employer) is the best option under the circumstances at hand, our attorneys will not hesitate to initiate litigation and fight for justice by all means available.

FAQs: Filing a Claim for Race Discrimination in Washington, D.C.

When Can (and Should) I File a Claim for Race Discrimination in Employment?

Job applicants, current employees, and former employees can file race discrimination claims if they experience any form of adverse employment action or any other form of disparate treatment based on their race. For purposes of filing a race discrimination complaint, race is defined as a person’s ancestry or ethnicity; and, while race is a distinct concept from both color and national origin, these are also protected characteristics—and race, color, and national origin discrimination often go hand-in-hand.

How Do I File a Race Discrimination Claim in Washington, D.C.?

In most cases, filing a race discrimination claim in Washington, D.C. will involve either: (i) submitting a petition (or “charge”) to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); or (ii) filing a formal complaint with the Washington, D.C. Office of Human Rights (OHR). When you sit down with a Washington D.C. race discrimination attorney at our firm, your attorney will help you understand your legal rights and walk you through the steps you need to take to seek accountability.

What Are the Potential Outcomes of a Race Discrimination Claim?

Broadly speaking, race discrimination claims have three potential outcomes: (i) they can lead to a decision in favor of the employee; (ii) they can lead to a decision in favor of the employer; or (iii) they can lead to a negotiated settlement. This is true for claims filed with the Washington, D.C. OHR and the EEOC, as well as in court. If your case results in a decision in favor of your employer, you may be able to file an appeal.

Do I Need an Attorney to File a Race Discrimination Claim Against My Employer?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney to file your race discrimination claim, there are several important reasons to work closely with an attorney throughout the process. When you sit down for a confidential initial consultation at The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, one of our attorneys will explain all of the ways we can help so that you can make an informed decision about whether to engage our firm to represent you.

Can My Coworkers Be Fired for Testifying in My Race Discrimination Case?

Your coworkers cannot legally be fired for testifying in your race discrimination case. This is a form of retaliation and is prohibited under both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Washington, D.C. Human Rights Act (DCHRA). If your employer retaliates against one of your coworkers illegally, your coworker will be entitled to clear remedies.

Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Washington, D.C. Race Discrimination Attorney in Confidence

If you need more information about filing a race discrimination claim against your employer (or prospective or former employer), we encourage you to contact us promptly. Call 410-514-6099 or request an appointment online to speak with an experienced Washington, D.C. race discrimination attorney in confidence.