St. Louis Racial Discrimination Attorney
Stand Up for Your Rights with Experienced Civil Rights Representation
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Understanding Racial Discrimination Under the Law
Racial discrimination occurs when a person is treated unfairly because of their race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. These protections apply across many areas of everyday life, at work, in housing, in interactions with police, in public spaces, and in schools. Unfortunately, these violations are still common in Missouri and across the United States.
At Simon Law, our civil rights team has extensive experience litigating discrimination and misconduct cases. We help clients understand their rights, gather evidence, and pursue justice through administrative complaints and civil rights lawsuits.
Federal and state laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, and Section 1983, prohibit racial discrimination and allow victims to pursue compensation. The U.S. Department of Labor maintains updated information on racial and ethnic discrimination laws, which continue to evolve.
What Counts as Racial Discrimination?
Racial discrimination can be overt or subtle, intentional or based on policies that disproportionately harm certain racial groups. Courts recognize two major categories:
- Disparate Treatment: When someone is intentionally treated differently because of their race
- Disparate Impact: When an otherwise neutral policy disproportionately harms people of a certain race, even without clear intent
Examples of unlawful discrimination include:
- Racial slurs, harassment, or stereotyping
- Denial of promotions, services, or opportunities
- Unequal workplace rules or discipline
- Refusal to rent, hire, or provide services
- Racial profiling by law enforcement
- Policies that unfairly burden one racial group
Common Forms of Racial Discrimination
Workplace Racial Discrimination
Racial bias in the workplace appears in many forms:
- Unfair hiring or firing practices
- Discriminatory promotions
- Unequal pay
- Exclusioon
- Retaliation after reporting discrimination
- Hostile work environments
You do not have to “prove” racism with direct comments as patterns, inconsistencies, and witness accounts may also show discrimination.
Racial Discrimination in Housing
The Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords, property managers, lenders, and realtors from making decisions based on race. This includes:
- Unfair rental practices
- Mortgage discrimination
- Steering
- Refusal to sell
- Different terms for similarly qualified applicants
Racial Profiling & Police Misconduct
Racial profiling can occur during:
- Traffic stops
- Arrests
- Searches
- Other police interactions
When officers use excessive force, target individuals based on race, or make discriminatory arrests, it may qualify for a civil rights lawsuit for police misconduct.
Discrimination in Public Places & Services
Schools, hospitals, government services, retail stores, restaurants, and public accommodations must treat all people equally. Refusal of service, harsher discipline, racial harassment, or discriminatory policies may all violate state and federal law.
How Simon Law's Racial Discrimination Lawyer Can Help
Racial discrimination is illegal and emotionally exhausting. Many clients fear retaliation, job loss, or being ignored by the system. Simon Law helps you navigate every step with careful attention to the facts, deadlines, and strategy needed to build a strong claim.
Case Evaluation & Evidence Gathering
We carefully evaluate the details of your experience and collect critical evidence, including:
- Emails, messages, or written policies
- Witness testimony
- Disciplinary or employment records
- Police reports and footage
- Patterns showing unequal treatment
- Housing or loan application documents
Our goal is to build a clear, compelling case showing how racial discrimination occurred and how it affected your life.
Filing Complaints With Agencies
Depending on the situation, your case may require filing with:
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for workplace claims
- U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for housing discrimination
- Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division
- State or local civil rights agencies
Deadlines are strict, with some complaints having to be filed within 180 to 300 days. We ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Negotiation, Litigation, & Pursuing Damages
Many cases resolve through strategic negotiation, but our team is prepared to litigate when necessary. You may be entitled to:
- Compensation for lost wages or benefits
- Damages for emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme misconduct
- Attorneys’ fees and costs
- Policy changes or injunctive relief
Why Choose Simon Law for Your Racial Discrimination Case?
Proven Experience, Personalized Advocacy
Simon Law is known for taking on complex cases that others avoid. Our team is committed to civil rights justice and brings decades of combined experience to every claim.
Common Questions About Racial Discrimination Lawsuits
How Do I Know if I Have a Racial Discrimination Case?
If you were treated worse than others in a similar situation and believe race played a role, you may have a case. Unequal discipline, harassment, denial of opportunities, or biased policing or common signs. One of our Simon Law civil rights attorneys can help evaluate patterns and evidence.
What Evidence Do I Need?
Direct comments or slurs can help, but they are not required. Emails, texts, performance reviews, witness accounts, timelines, and inconsistencies in treatment can all support your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Deadlines vary. EEOC claims typically must be filed within 180 to 300 days. Housing claims have separate deadlines of up to one year, and civil rights lawsuits may have different statutes of limitations depending on the issues involved in the case. Contact a Simon Law attorney immediately to protect your rights if you believe you have been subjected to racial discrimination.
Can My Employer Retaliate if I Report Discrimination?
Retaliation is illegal. Employers cannot fire, demote, discipline, or threaten you for reporting discrimination. If they do, retaliation becomes a separate violation you can pursue.
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Attorneys
When you need qualified and reliable guidance, you know where to turn. Simon Law is ready to listen to your story and review the complex aspects of your case.
CONTACT US
Protect Your Rights–Speak With a Racial Discrimination Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has experienced racial discrimination, you deserve answers and strong representation. Simon Law is here to stand by your side. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
