Safeguarding Your Rights Against Workplace Discrimination In Austin
You have a right not to be treated differently at work based on your race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, advanced age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics. You have a right to reasonable accommodations for any of your disabilities. You cannot be fired or passed over for a promotion based on your protected characteristics.
I have the knowledge and experience to fight to protect these rights for you. I am attorney Holt Lackey. I founded Holt Major Lackey, PLLC, in Austin to help seek justice for those who have experienced workplace discrimination.
Legal Protections From Discrimination
Federal and state laws shield individuals from discrimination based on various protected characteristics, such as:
- Race: Protection against discrimination based on race or ethnicity.
- Gender: Protection against discrimination based on gender or gender identity.
- Age: Protection against discrimination due to age, ensuring fair treatment regardless of age.
- Disability: Protection against discrimination based on physical or mental disability.
- Religion: Protection against discrimination based on religious beliefs or practices.
- Other protected characteristics: Additional safeguards for characteristics such as national origin or pregnancy status.
At Holt Major Lackey, PLLC, I recognize the significance of these protections, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every individual’s rights are upheld.
Common Forms Of Discrimination
Discrimination can take many forms and might be subtle or overt, but it always creates an unfair work environment. As an employment attorney, I understand the nuances of employment law and am here to support you in challenging discriminatory practices.
Discrimination occurs when an employer treats a job applicant or an employee unfairly because of their race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. It’s not just about hurt feelings. It’s about illegal practices that can affect your career, income, and well-being.
What Is Employment Harassment?
Harassment is a form of discrimination that can manifest in various ways. It may involve decisions not to hire, promotions being unfairly withheld, or receiving unwarranted negative performance reviews.
Employment harassment is an unwelcome form of behavior in the workplace that makes you feel intimidated, degraded, or humiliated. It’s a series of actions that can chip away at your professional life and personal dignity. This behavior can include:
- Offensive jokes or ridicule
- Slurs or epithets
- Name-calling
- Physical assaults or threats,
- Intimidation or insults
- Offensive pictures
For example, if your boss constantly makes belittling comments about your ability to work due to your age, or if a co-worker sends you messages with inappropriate racial undertones, these are both instances of harassment. It’s also not just about a single incident. It is about creating a hostile work environment that affects your job performance and emotional well-being. If this resonates with your experience, it’s crucial to recognize that you have the right to seek a workplace free of harassment.
Sometimes, it’s the consistent assignment of undesirable tasks or unjustified disciplinary actions. If you find yourself always getting the worst jobs or being unjustly punished, it could be a sign of harassment. Harassment and discrimination in any form is unacceptable. As the attorney at Holt Major Lackey, PLLC, I am dedicated to standing by your side and fighting against these and other injustices in the workplace.
Consult A Workplace Discrimination Attorney And Protect Your Rights
If you believe you’ve faced discrimination in the workplace, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact me to schedule a consultation by calling 512-982-1006 or completing my online contact form.