Race Discrimination in Florida

Even though we are well in the 21st century, race discrimination is still a thing. People still deny others jobs, promotions, and other opportunities based solely on their race or the color of their skin. Sadly, this happens even if the person is extremely qualified and deserves the opportunity.

Race discrimination involves treating someone unfavorably because of their race or personal characteristics associated with race (such as hair texture or skin color). Race discrimination may also involve treating someone unfavorably because the person is married to (or associated with) a person of a certain race.

Discrimination can occur even when the victim and the person who inflicted the discrimination are the same race.

Florida Legislation

In April 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 7, which allows businesses, employees, children, and families to fight discrimination. The bill helps prevent discriminatory instruction in the workplace as well as in public schools and defines individual freedoms based on the fundamental truth that all individuals are equal before the law and have inalienable rights. This legislation is the only one that addresses both corporate wokeness and critical race theory.

The law was created based on concerns that students and workers are being pushed to adopt the personal or political viewpoints of employers or teachers. This bill protects individual freedoms and prevents discrimination in public schools.

With this bill, Florida took an important step to ensure healthy spaces in schools and workplaces. The bill also provides assurance for parents that the nation’s history and current events are taught accurately.

Every person is created equal. Florida’s employees and students will be judged as individuals, by their character and actions, and not their race or national origin.

Defenses for Business Owners

Businesses will do what they can to defend themselves from race discrimination claims. Here are some common defenses:

• Legitimate non-discriminatory reason. The employer can argue that the adverse employment action was based on a valid reason such as poor job performance, violation of company policies, or economic necessity.
• Employee misconduct. The employer can defend against a race discrimination claim by showing that the employee was terminated or disciplined due to misconduct unrelated to race.
• Business necessity. The employer may claim that a particular employment practice that has a disparate impact on a racial group is justified by business necessity and is job-related.
• Statutory defenses. Certain statutes provide specific defenses. For example, under Title VII, if the employer can demonstrate that the discrimination claim was not filed within the statutory time limits, it may be a defense.

Contact a Discrimination Lawyer Today

Businesses are sued every day for various reasons, such as discrimination against customers and employees.

Whether you are a business or a discrimination victim, a Bradenton business litigation lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can assist you with your case. We’ll help you work toward a settlement, but are not afraid to fight for you in court if necessary. To schedule a consultation, call (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form.

Source:

flgov.com/2022/04/22/governor-ron-desantis-signs-legislation-to-protect-floridians-from-discrimination-and-woke-indoctrination/