Are employers allowed to discriminate against employees based on their race?

No, employers in Washington are not allowed to discriminate against employees based on their race. The Washington State Human Rights Commission enforces the Washington Law Against Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or honorably discharged veteran or military status. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees in any way related to the hiring process, job assignment, promotion, wages, training, or termination and other terms or conditions of employment. This includes decisions based on stereotypes or assumptions about abilities, traits, or the performance of individuals of certain racial or ethnic groups. Employers are also prohibited from considering an applicant’s or employee’s race in making decisions about discipline, transfers, layoffs, or recalls. Furthermore, employers may not ask applicants questions about their race on an employment application. Employees in Washington have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination based on their race. If an employee believes their rights have been violated, they can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. The Commission will investigate the claim and could provide the employee with remedies, such as back pay, hiring, reinstatement, promotion, corrective action, and damages.

Related FAQs

Can employers ask job applicants questions about their race, gender, or age?
Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their age?
Are employers allowed to ask job applicants questions about their family status?
Are employees allowed to seek injunctive relief in an employment discrimination case?
Are employers allowed to ask job applicants questions about their disability?
Are there special rules that apply to small businesses and employers with fewer than 15 employees?
Are there special rules when it comes to age discrimination in the workplace?
Are employers required to provide employees with written notification of their right to file a discrimination claim?
Are employers allowed to pay employees differently based on their sex?
Are employers allowed to require job applicants to undergo medical tests or examinations?

Are employers allowed to discriminate against employees based on their race?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts