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Florida is among worst in workplace discrimination in the country

On Behalf of | May 2, 2014 | Workplace Discrimination |

Everybody wants to feel like they live in a society with equal opportunities for all. This is particularly true for the workplace since employment is vital to one’s subsistence. The law attempts to ensure fair opportunities in the workplace through laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment. However, it turns out that not all employers in Florida follow these laws, resulting in the state being ranked second in the most workplace discrimination claims and harassment charges.

The state reported 7,597 cases of discrimination and harassment in the workplace in 2013, according to filings recorded by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Most cases involved conflicts over gender and race. There were 2,186 cases involving gender issues and 2,533 incidences involving race conflicts.

Experts worry that newly graduated college students who are just starting to enter the workforce could be more at risk than most other people. Newly graduated students just entering the workforce may not have as much experience and are therefore more ignorant of the laws regarding discrimination and harassment. Many argue that companies and employers should provide more interactive training in order to better educate workers.

However, until companies do begin offering more training, many in Florida may continue to find themselves victims of harassment and workplace discrimination at their jobs. Luckily, workers do not have to passively accept that this type of mistreatment exists. Those who are discriminated against may be able to obtain monetary reimbursement from employers by filing discrimination claims in court. This could also help a wrongfully terminated employee be reinstated at his or her job.

Source: Central Florida Future, “Florida ranks No. 2 for discrimination, harassment charges“, Caroline Glenn, April 23, 2014