Race vs. Color Discrimination Under Title VII

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Discrimination based on race and discrimination based on color sound similar, but they are not exactly the same.

Discrimination based on race means someone is discriminated against at work because of their racial identity (Black, Asian, Native American, etc.). By contrast, discrimination based on color means someone is discriminated against at work because of their skin tone.

For example, if an employer treats all Black employees less favorably than white employees, that's discrimination based on race. But, if the employer treats Black employees with darker skin tones less favorably than Black employees with lighter skin tones, that's discrimination based on color.

Anyone can be subject to discrimination, and the person discriminating against you can be from the same protected class (e.g., same race) as you.

Thickstun Luo LLC may be able to help you pursue a legal claim in Illinois or Indiana if you have experienced employment discrimination based on your race and/or color in violation of Title VII. Contact us today for a consultation.

LEGALESE is an online blog by Thickstun Luo LLC. The blog explains legal terms and concepts in plain English.

Disclaimer: The LEGALESE blog and the posts therein do not form an attorney-client relationship between you and Thickstun Luo LLC. Furthermore, this blog is not intended to render legal advice regarding your specific situation. You should consult an attorney for specific legal advice. Some content in LEGALESE blog posts pertain to state-specific legal rules and concepts that may not be applicable in every jurisdiction.