Arkansas Workplace Discrimination Attorneys Represent Businesses And Workers
Helping Employees And Employers In Civil Rights Cases
Discrimination at work is a problem both for employees and employers. Our firm represents clients on either side of these disputes. Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer or supervisor treats an employee differently because they belong to a legally protected category. Many accusations are based on fact, but some are filed in retaliation for treatment based on poor work performance.
Our attorneys understand how difficult it can be for an employee to stand up to discrimination. We also know how frustrating it can be to deal with allegations that your business is guilty of discrimination. If you have been mistreated at work, or if your company has been accused of discriminatory hiring, firing, compensation or promotion practices, James & Carter, PLC can help. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing victims of discrimination and helping businesses in Northwest Arkansas defend themselves against claims of discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination.
Protecting Workers From Discrimination
Under federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, protected classes include:
- Race
- Sex
- Religion
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Disability
- Military service
- National origin
- Bankruptcy
- Genetic information
- Citizenship status
It is unlawful to base most employment-related decisions on these factors, unless there are bona fide occupational qualifications, such as a requirement that a male actor be hired to play a male part. While some states provide additional protection for gender identity and sexual orientation, Arkansas does not. As an aggrieved employee, you have the right to have your claims investigated and addressed. Our legal team represents employees who have suffered due to discriminatory practices.
Protecting Your Business From Discrimination Claims
As an employer, you should take steps to prevent discrimination claims before they are ever filed. This is both good for business and the right thing to do. It is important to have a clear policy on discrimination. All new employees should be made to read and sign the policy. This policy must be taken seriously and adhered to by all managers and decision-makers at the company. The first thing your firm will need to do when accused of discrimination is conduct a workplace investigation. In this investigation, you must try to fairly and accurately determine what happened. The accuser should not be treated as the enemy, but rather as a potential victim. They should be allowed to continue working during the investigation if possible. As an employer, you have a responsibility to investigate all sexual harassment claims in a timely, thorough, objective and confidential manner.
Responding To Discrimination Claims
A business accused of discrimination will need to submit something called a “position statement” to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). With the help of our attorneys, a position statement will be drafted. The document will include:
- Information about the company’s anti-discrimination policies
- Documentation showing why the employee was hired
- Proof of the employee’s poor performance or unfitness for a promotion
- Your company’s version of the story including reasons for your actions
Our attorneys help assemble the right collection of documents and supporting evidence to create an effective position statement.
Trust Our Firm To Handle Your Workplace Discrimination Claims
At James & Carter, PLC, we represent Arkansas workers and businesses in claims of harassment, discrimination and wrongful termination. Our attorneys are experienced litigators who understand both sides of these disputes and use that knowledge to help our clients. We serve Bentonville, Rogers and the entire state of Arkansas. Call us now at 501-588-3584 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with an experienced attorney.