National Origin Discrimination in the Workplace — Colorado

Information for Colorado Employers that Can Minimize Litigation

National origin discrimination in the workplace, under Colorado discrimination laws, occurs when employers treat applicants or employees unfavorably because of factors such as ethnicity, national origin, accent, or even if the employer perceived them to be of a certain national original regardless of whether or not the person is.

Colorado employers should also be careful not to discriminate against employees if they are married or have some connection to an ethnic organization or group. This level of national origin discrimination in Colorado can cost an employer substantial amounts in legal fees to effectively defend themselves.

National origin discrimination in the workplace can also occur when the complaining employee is even treated unfairly from someone who is also of the same national origin. The idea is that employers are responsible for the actions of their employees (supervisor, managers, etc.).

Covered actions: National origin discrimination in the workplace under Colorado discrimination laws, includes various aspects of employment including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment. When responding to EEOC complaints, you want to make sure that you address all issues in detail. 

National Origin Discrimination in the Workplace – Who is Covered in Colorado?

In Colorado, employers can find themselves subject to discrimination charges if the business or some other private employer discriminates based upon racial discrimination color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability or genetic information. The business is covered by Colorado laws if has 15 or more employees who worked for the employer for at least twenty calendar weeks. See information about Failure to Train Discrimination Defense.

National Origin & Harassment Workplace Discrimination

Colorado employers are also prohibited from harassing a person because of his or her national origin. Allegations of harassment can include:

• Offensive or derogatory remarks about a person’s national origin;
• Accent or ethnicity.

Employers can limit exposure and minimize huge payouts if they show efforts to reduce simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious. Harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted). See information about defending against workplace discrimination lawsuits.

Employer Help: If you are a Colorado employer facing allegations of national origin discrimination in the workplace, or harassment lawsuit, contact our Colorado employment lawyers and workplace discrimination defense attorneys for immediate help. Call 1-866-601-5518.  FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.