Race & Color Discrimination

The laws enforced by EEOC prohibit an employer from treating you differently, or less favorably, because you or a friend, parent, or someone else you associate with is of a particular race or color. Employers also may not treat you differently, or less favorably, because you have personal traits, such as hair texture, color or certain facial features, associated with a particular race.

All races, including Whites, Blacks, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Native Alaskans, are protected from racial discrimination. Bi-racial and multi-racial individuals also are protected from discrimination on the basis of race.

The laws enforced by EEOC also protect you from being harassed at work by managers, co-workers, or others in your workplace because of your race or color.

Finally, the laws enforced by EEOC protect you from being punished or harassed at work because you or someone you closely associate with (for example, a relative or close friend) complains about race discrimination. We call this your right to be protected from retaliation.

If you would like more information after reading the frequently asked questions, see the EEOC's Race/Color Discrimination page.