Are Chinese/Asian Workers Being Targeted with Workplace Discrimination During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
While there have been many heartwarming stories about people banding together during the COVID-19 pandemic, not every development is so positive.
Because the outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, many people of East Asian descent have been unfairly targeted based on their appearance. The FBI recently reported that hate crimes against Asians have increased during the pandemic, including one horrifying incident in Texas where a 6-year-old and a 2-year-old were stabbed while shopping because the perpetrator “thought the family was Chinese and spreading the disease.”
While hate crimes like this draw media attention, a more silent form of abuse may be following Chinese/Asian workers: Workplace discrimination.
Fighting Office Harassment and Discrimination in Connecticut
Scapegoating certain groups for health outbreaks has a long and ugly history. European Jews were once blamed for the Black Plague, while the Irish were unfairly accused of spreading cholera outbreaks in early 19th century America.
Today, discrimination often takes a more subtle form: Denial of career opportunities, unequal treatment in the office and unjustified firings.
Fortunately, there are robust laws in place to help workers defend themselves from this treatment. In Connecticut, fair employment laws prohibit this behavior. Specifically, the Connecticut Human Rights and Opportunities Act, which:
“makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, disability (learning, mental, intellectual, physical), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, and criminal record (in state employment & licensing only).”
Anyone who is affected by such legally prohibited behavior can file a claim with the Connecticut Commission on Human Right and Opportunities, a state entity that works closely with the federal Equal Opportunity Employment Commission.
By promptly filing a claim, Asian Americans (or any person facing workplace discrimination) can move forward with holding their employer accountable for their illegal actions — and be fairly compensated for what they’ve suffered.
A Tireless Legal Advocate for All Connecticut Residents
At Brickley Law, we have the experience to litigate even the toughest discrimination cases — and the empathy to help make the process as painless as possible. Please contact us for a free consultation if we can help.