It is far more common to see race discrimination suits with a minority as the victim, but that does not mean that Caucasians cannot be victims of race discrimination as well. It remains to be seen what the outcome will be in such an instance, but such is the case for a former Pittsburgh anchor woman who claims she was fired because she is white.
The issue began in March when the anchor woman commented on a Facebook post that local shooting suspects were probably black. She stated that the shooters were likely young black men in their early 20’s, with multiple fathers and mothers working multiple jobs. The comments led to a significant social media backlash and ultimately the anchor’s firing. Her attorney contends that she was fired because she is white, and if she had been black, she would not have been fired, or even reprimanded, for her comments.
The suit asks for reinstatement into her former job, as well as back pay, and damages for mental and emotional affects as a result of the firing. In addition to the race discrimination charge, they also plan to file charges for gender discrimination.
Under local, state and federal law, employees are protected and entitled to work in an environment free of bias and race discrimination. Employees who feel as though their employee is withholding wages, promotions or fire a person based on the person’s race should address the issue. There may be compensation available to victims of racial discrimination in the workplace. People should, therefore, understand their legal rights and all options for pursuing their case.
Source: The New York Daily News, “Pittsburgh news anchor fired after racial Facebook post says it was because she is white,” Christopher Brennan, June 21, 2016
