History of Racism in the Workplace

For many years, African Americans have been denied jobs and subjugated to lower paying jobs because of race, and have been victims of discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 offered equal employment opportunity on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, and national origin. Employers could no longer discriminate in hiring or firing, wages, and promotions as well. Under Title VII (enacted in the 1960s and 1970s), victims of discriminate may file charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate a charge and determine whether or not discrimination has occurred. Furthermore, the Supreme Court Decision in 1971, Griggs vs. Duke Power bolstered the effectiveness of Title VII since any practice that had a discriminatory effect in the workplace would be prohibited. However, in the 1980s, the Supreme Court reduced the remedies of the civil right laws concerning employee discrimination. In 1989, the court made a set of decisions that would make it more difficult to secure equal employment opportunity. Almost overnight, it made it more difficult for victims of job discrimination to vindicate their legal rights. In any case, the 1989 case of Wards Cove Packing Co. Antonio established an employer's use of practice that has an adverse impact on minorities is unjustified. Additionally, Patterson vs. McLean Credit Union stressed the importance of a non-discriminatory hiring process, but not employee benefits. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 re-established the broad scope of Title VII, and provided international victims limited money for compensation of injuries, wrongdoings, and deter recurrence. In 2000, Reeves v. Sanderson, a jury may find unlawful discrimination if a plaintiff provides an 'adverse job decision' that is later found to be untrue. There is also the elimination of English only policies, and those who speak with an accent. Also, there has recently been an influx in mandatory arbitration policies, where employees sign away their litigation rights. In general, it does not allow for public or job discrimination; however, more laws must be formed to protect the rights of workers going forward.

Employment Discrimination. (n.d.). Retrieved May 09, 2016, from http://www.civilrights.org/resources/civilrights101/employment.html