Workplace Discrimination Laws in South Carolina
Workplace discrimination is explicitly prohibited under federal and South Carolina state law. Federal Title VII Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on an employee’s:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity)
- National origin
Subsequent federal laws protect against discrimination based on:
- Age discrimination (40 or older)
- Disability
If you have been the victim of workplace discrimination, contact our Columbia employment discrimination lawyers today. We will fight for your rights and ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
How Do I File a Workplace Discrimination Complaint in Columbia, South Carolina?
If you believe that you have been the victim of workplace discrimination, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. The Commission will investigate your claim and determine whether there is enough evidence to support it.
You can also file a lawsuit against your employer. However, you should consult with an experienced discrimination lawyer before doing so. A lawyer can guide you through any legal issues and help you determine whether filing a lawsuit is right for your situation.
Examples of Discrimination in the Workplace
There are many different forms of workplace discrimination. Some common examples include:
- Firing an employee because of their race
- Not hiring someone because of their religion
- Paying a woman less than a man for doing the same job
- Promoting a white employee over a more qualified minority employee
If you have been the victim of these forms of discrimination, contact one of our Columbia employment discrimination lawyers today. We will fight for your rights and ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
How Long Does it Take to Report Workplace Discrimination?
You should report workplace discrimination as soon as it happens. If you wait too long, you may lose important evidence that could be used to win your case.
Once you have reported the discrimination, the next step is to contact an experienced discrimination lawyer. The lawyer can help you gather evidence and build your case.
What Are the Consequences of Not Reporting Workplace Discrimination?
If you do not report workplace discrimination, you may lose important evidence that could be used to win your case. Additionally, the longer you wait to report the discrimination, the more difficult it may be to prove that it occurred.
Defense Against Discrimination Charges
An employer can use a few different defenses against a discrimination charge.
- The employer can argue that the decision was not based on discrimination. For example, if an employer fires an employee because of poor performance, the employer cannot be charged with discrimination.
- The employer can argue that the decision was based on a legitimate business reason. For example, if an employer promotes a white employee over a more qualified minority employee because the white employee has more experience, the employer may be able to defend against a discrimination charge successfully.
- The employer can argue that the plaintiff does not have enough evidence to prove discrimination occurred.
