People that are employed or looking for work in Michigan are protected from multiple types of discrimination, including national origin discrimination.
Employers may not make hiring decisions based on national origin, and legal protection against such discrimination extends to choices about pay and promotions as well. Employers also may not discriminate against someone because they are married to someone of a certain national origin.
The anti-discrimination protections also extend to the work environment. Employees cannot be subjected to a pattern of teasing and bullying based on their national origin. Not every joke can become grounds for a lawsuit, but if the treatment is constant or crosses a line, it can be a basis for legal action.
National origin was made a protected right in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Private plaintiffs may file a lawsuit if they have faced national origin discrimination in the workplace. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a complaint of national origin discrimination.
Many times, employees simply do not know how to handle a difficult situation on the job when they believe that discrimination may be a driving factor for what is happening. Those who are involved in a situation at work that could involve discrimination, or who feel that they did not receive a job due to discrimination, may want to contact an employment law attorney. The attorney may help the client explore their legal options, which might include filing a lawsuit.
