That’s been the law for more than a half century, since the passage of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The law applies to businesses with 15 or more employees and to all public and private colleges and universities, labor unions, and employment agencies.
It covers more than hiring and firing, too. Title VII also outlaws discrimination in pay, promotions, transfers, training and benefits. It applies before hiring even takes place, banning discriminatory job advertisements, recruiting, and testing.
If you’ve been denied a job, promotion or raise due to discrimination, the civil rights lawyers at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel can help. Our attorneys have the legal skills and experience to take your case from complaint to lawsuit, if necessary. We have something else that’s important, too: a passion for social justice.
Title VII procedure
Though some companies have internal grievance procedures, most Title VII charges begin before the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission (SCHAC). You have 180 days in which to file the complaint, but it’s important to begin early. You’ll need to collect evidence to support your complaint. Though it’s possible to do that on your own, calling on one of our employment lawyers for assistance can help you create a stronger case from the start. If we’re in from the ground up, we can build the case from the beginning with an eye toward the next steps.
Sometimes the EEOC or SCHAC will refer you and your employer to a mediator. In other situations, the EEOC will file a lawsuit on your behalf. This doesn’t happen often, though. In the rest of the cases, the agency issues a “right to sue” letter that lets you go to court.
No matter which path your Title VII case takes you can count on Burnette Shutt & McDaniel to stand by your side the entire time.
We don’t shy away from a fight, beginning each case with an eye toward going to court. We understand, though, that a settlement can save time, money and stress. If that’s what you prefer, we will work to get you the best possible outcome.