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At Kaplan Employment Law, we know that workplace racial harassment isn’t just unlawful—it’s deeply harmful and dehumanizing. No one should have to endure racial slurs, offensive jokes, racist imagery, or being denied job opportunities because of their race.

If you reported racial harassment to HR, sought therapy for anxiety, depression, or PTSD, and were retaliated against or fired, your case may be strong.

Attorney Brett Daniel Kaplan stands with you to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Our racial harassment attorneys in Fort Lauderdale hold employers accountable and fight relentlessly for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Your story deserves justice. Let us fight for you.

What Is a Racial Hostile Work Environment?

Racial harassment in the workplace occurs when derogatory comments, racial slurs, offensive imagery, or discriminatory treatment create a hostile work environment. This type of harassment violates federal and state laws and can come from supervisors, coworkers, clients, or even customers.

For conduct to qualify as racial harassment, it must be severe or pervasive—either repeated incidents or a single egregious act that alters the workplace environment.

Examples include:

  • Racial slurs such as the N-word or other offensive epithets
  • Displaying racist imagery (nooses, Confederate flags, swastikas)
  • Making offensive jokes or comments about someone’s race or ethnicity
  • Excluding employees from promotions or job opportunities based on race
  • Mocking accents, cultural traditions, or hairstyles such as dreadlocks or religious practices
  • Retaliation against employees for reporting racial discrimination such as firing them or eliminating their shifts

If you’ve experienced racial harassment at work, you don’t have to face it alone. A Florida racial harassment attorney, like Brett Kaplan, can help you hold your employer accountable.

Laws Protecting You from Racial Harassment

Several federal and Florida laws protect workers from racial harassment:

Employers who ignore complaints or retaliate against employees can be held legally accountable.

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Types of Racial Harassment in the Workplace

Workplace racial harassment can take many forms. Below are some of the most common types:

Racial Harassment by a Supervisor

When a supervisor or manager uses racial slurs, enforces racially biased policies, or retaliates against employees for reporting discrimination, it is unlawful racial harassment.

Racial Slurs and Derogatory Language

Using racial slurs, derogatory comments, or offensive jokes about someone’s race, skin color, or ethnicity creates a hostile work environment.

Displaying Offensive Symbols or Racist Imagery

Workplaces that permit nooses, racist jokes, or hate symbols create a hostile work environment and violate anti-harassment laws.

Retaliation for Reporting Racial Harassment

Employers cannot punish employees for reporting racial discrimination. Retaliation, such as termination, demotion, or harassment, is illegal and could lead to additional legal claims.

What to Do If You Are Facing Workplace Racial Harassment

If you are experiencing racial harassment at work, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your rights:

1. Consult a Racial Harassment Lawyer

Schedule a consultation with an experienced racial harassment attorney. A lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and develop the best legal strategy.

2. Locate Your Employee Handbook

Most employers have harassment reporting procedures in their handbook. If possible, review your employer’s reporting policy before filing a complaint.

3. Report the Harassment in Writing

If safe, report the harassment to HR in writing, using specific language such as “racial harassment.” This creates a paper trail that can be used as evidence.

4. Document Every Incident

Keep a detailed record of every racial harassment incident, including:

  • Dates, times, and locations
  • Names of individuals involved
  • Witnesses
  • Any relevant emails, messages, or recordings (if legally allowed)

5. Cooperate with Employer Investigations

Employees in Florida must cooperate with employer-led investigations. If your employer fails to take corrective action, you may have legal recourse.

6. Seek Therapy or Medical Treatment

If racial harassment causes anxiety, depression, or PTSD, seeing a therapist can provide medical documentation that strengthens your claim.

Proving a Racial Harassment Case: What Evidence Do You Need?

If you’ve faced racial harassment, gathering strong evidence is key to proving your claim. Important documentation includes:

  • Detailed records – Keep notes of each incident, including dates, locations, and people involved.
  • Emails, texts, or DMs – Save any racist or offensive communications.
  • Witness testimony – Statements from coworkers who observed or experienced similar treatment.
  • Employer policies – Show that your employer failed to prevent harassment or ignored complaints.
  • Proof of retaliation – If you faced job loss, demotion, or negative performance reviews after reporting harassment, document it.

A racial harassment lawyer can help you organize and present this evidence effectively.

I Needed a Strong Negotiator & I Got One

I searched for an employment lawyer and found Brett Kaplan. I needed a strong negotiator for my severance agreement and felt like I could trust Brett. Brett was able to negotiate a higher severance for me and I couldn't have been more satisfied! The process was easy, smooth, and pain free. If I ever need him again, I'll surely be circling back! Thanks, Brett.

Maya Hicks

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Racial Harassment Case?

If your racial harassment claim is successful, you may be entitled to:

  • Lost Wages: If you were demoted, suspended without pay, or fired, or for reporting racial harassment.
  • Emotional Distress Damages: Compensation for anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the harassment.
  • Punitive Damages: If your employer acted with malice or reckless disregard for your rights, punitive damages may be awarded.
  • Attorney’s Fees (If You Prevail at Trial): If your case goes to trial and you win, your employer may be required to pay your legal fees.

We Won’t Charge You Until We Win

At Kaplan Employment Law, we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Why Choose Kaplan Employment Law for Your Racial Harassment Claim?

Attorney Brett Kaplan has successfully recovered significant settlements for racial harassment victims.

  • Proven Track Record – Strong settlements in workplace discrimination cases
  • Aggressive Advocacy – We take on major corporations and employers
  • Client-Centered Approach – You receive personalized attention every step of the way

FAQs about Workplace Racial Harassment in Florida

What qualifies as racial harassment at work?

Racial slurs, derogatory jokes, racist imagery, and exclusion from opportunities based on race can all qualify as racial harassment if they create a hostile work environment.

How do I report racial harassment?

Follow your employer’s reporting procedures in writing. Use the words “racial harassment” in your complaint to ensure proper documentation.

Can I sue for emotional distress caused by racial harassment?

Yes. If racial harassment caused anxiety, depression, or PTSD, you can pursue emotional distress damages.

What should I do if my employer retaliates after I report racial harassment?

Retaliation is illegal. If you experience termination, demotion, or unfair treatment after reporting harassment, document it and speak with a Florida racial harassment lawyer immediately.

How long do I have to file a racial harassment claim in Florida?

You have 300 days to file a federal claim with the EEOC or one year under Florida law. Taking action quickly preserves your rights. Certain federal laws give up to a four-year period.

Contact Our Racial Harassment Lawyers in Florida Today

You deserve to work in an environment free from racial harassment. If you’ve been a victim of racial discrimination or a hostile work environment, Kaplan Employment Law is here to help.

Contact our local Florida employment attorney today for a consultation and let us fight for your justice.

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