What are the laws regarding racial discrimination in the workplace?

In Washington, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against any individual due to their race. This means that employers may not hire, fire, promote, or otherwise treat individuals differently based on their race. Employers are also not allowed to create a hostile work environment by making comments or jokes about race, displaying racially offensive materials, or otherwise contributing to a workplace atmosphere that is hostile or intimidating to individuals based on their race. Employers must also ensure that their policies and practices related to pay, recruitment, assignments, transfers, promotions, layoffs, training, and benefits are non-discriminatory and applied equally to all races. Employers should also take steps to ensure that their workplace does not have a disproportionate impact on any particular race. Workers who feel they have been the victims of workplace racial discrimination can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission, or they may choose to bring a private lawsuit. If an employee is successful in proving discrimination, the employee may recover lost wages, back pay, and other damages. Washington State law also protects workers who make complaints about racial discrimination in the workplace or who cooperate with an investigation from any retaliation from their employer. This means that if an employee is retaliated against for filing a complaint, they may have a cause of action for additional damages.

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