Our right to be free from discrimination based on our sex, age, race or religious affiliation is central to our system of democratic and representative government. The Bernsen Law Firm is comprised of experienced Beaumont civil rights attorneys who are committed to protecting the civil rights of those who have been discriminated against. Federal law — most notably Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1983 — governs most anti-discrimination issues.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits most employers from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin. It further prohibits discrimination against a person because of affiliation with another individual based on the above criteria. Importantly, sexual discrimination has been held by the Supreme Court to include workplace sexual harassment. Additionally, Title VII prohibits retaliatory action by an employer toward individuals who act as whistleblowers in reporting Title VII violations. Recently, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled that employment discrimination on the basis of gender identity or transgender status is also prohibited under Title VII.
In order to determine whether you have a claim, your case should be reviewed by one of our Beaumont lawyers as soon as possible. You may be entitled to money damages or other forms of relief. Here are some examples of cases in which you may have a Title VII claim:
Section 1983 was passed in the aftermath of the Civil War in response to continued discrimination against African-Americans by groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. The law creates a cause of action (a basis for a lawsuit) against people who, under color of law, deprive or allow the deprivation of another’s constitutionally guaranteed rights, privileges or immunities. That means you can sue a person who is acting under the apparent authority of the state (for example, the police) if they deprive you of constitutional rights. Here are some situations where you may have a 1983 claim:
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If you feel that you have had an encounter with an employer or a state official that fits into one of the categories described here, call today to speak to one of our experienced Beaumont civil rights lawyers. We are conveniently located in downtown Beaumont, at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway and Broadway, and have weekend appointments available upon request. You can reach us immediately at 409-212-9994 or contact us online.