Columbus Racial Discrimination Lawyers

Last updated on February 12, 2026

It is unlawful for an employer to treat an applicant or employee unfairly or unequally because of race. While both Ohio law and federal law prohibit discrimination in the workplace, some employers still engage in discriminatory employment policies.

Marshall Forman and Schlein LLC, in Columbus, is entirely dedicated to protecting civil and employment rights. With decades of combined experience, we can take on large corporations. If you were harassed at work, denied a promotion or were turned down for a job because of your race, our dedicated race discrimination lawyers are fierce advocates.

Understanding Racial Discrimination

One of the most well-known anti-discrimination laws, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, prohibits employers with more than 15 employees from discriminating against any worker based on his or her race, national origin, color, religion, or sex. Discrimination based on race can take a variety of forms, although the most common include:

• Workplace harassment, which includes inappropriate jokes, insults, racial slurs and displaying offensive symbols
• Offering a lower wage to those of a certain race
• Denying the opportunity for career advancement or a pay raise to someone because of his or her race
• Denying a prospective employee a job purely because of his or her race
• Terminating someone’s employment because of his or her race

These outright discriminatory actions are unlawful under both state and federal law. Some types of discrimination, however, are less obvious. For instance, it is discriminatory for an employer to create policies that are not job-related or necessary to business operations if that policy has a negative impact on employees of a particular race.

Filing A Discrimination Claim Under Federal Law

Employees or applicants who have suffered racial discrimination can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as long as they do so within 300 days of the discriminatory act. This agency will then investigate the matter and decide whether or not to litigate. Even if the EEOC chooses not to litigate, the claimant can institute a civil action against the employer on his or her own.

Understanding Additional State Protections In Ohio

Both Title VII and state laws provide the same basic protections. However, Ohio law extends protection to employees at smaller companies, prohibiting discrimination by employers who have four or more employees. This includes prohibiting the following actions based on a person’s race:

• Firing without cause
• Refusing to hire
• Refusing to offer tenure
• Offering lower wages or privileges of employment

However, Ohio law also makes it unlawful to aid, compel, coerce or even attempt to commit a discriminatory act. It is also unlawful to prevent someone from complying with state laws regarding racial discrimination.

What Is The 80% Rule In Ohio Racial Discrimination Law?

Discrimination is not always obvious. Some company rules for hiring or promotions look fair on paper but harm workers of certain races. We call this “disparate impact.”

The 80% Rule helps uncover this hidden form of discrimination. This rule, also called the Four-Fifths Rule, works like a warning system. When employers use tests or have requirements that seem neutral, this rule helps show if these practices actually hurt minority applicants.

Here’s how it works: If a company hires white applicants at a rate of 60%, then people of other races should be hired at a rate of at least 48% (which is four-fifths of the 60% rate). If the hiring rate for minorities falls below this number, it raises a red flag that the company’s practices might be discriminatory.

Filing A Race Discrimination Complaint Under State Law

A victim of discrimination can file a claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), which serves a function similar to that of the EEOC and investigates all complaints of employment discrimination. If the agency finds probable cause to believe that practice was discriminatory, it will conduct a formal hearing. Unlike the EEOC, the OCRC can adjudicate these claims, although their final decision can be appealed to Ohio state court. Claimants have six months from the date of the discriminatory act to file a claim with the OCRC. Furthermore, unlike a federal claim, a claimant is not required to exhaust administrative remedies through the OCRC before filing suit in a court of common pleas.

How Are Race And Color Discrimination Different?

Issues of race and color discrimination overlap in the workplace, but they are not synonymous. Race discrimination happens when an employer treats you unfairly because of your racial background or ethnic group, like being Latino, Asian, Black or white. Color discrimination, on the other hand, focuses specifically on your skin tone or shade. A key difference is that color discrimination can occur between people of the same race, such as when an employer favors lighter-skinned Black employees over darker-skinned Black employees. Both forms of discrimination are illegal under Ohio and federal law.

What Steps Can Victims Of Racial Discrimination Take In Ohio?

If you have been dealing with racial discrimination at work, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your rights. Here are important steps you can take:

• Documentation: Write down the date, time, location, and details of every discriminatory comment or action. Make sure to note any witnesses.
• Keep relevant documents: It is important to keep emails, performance reviews and disciplinary warnings. Also, retain a copy of any relevant company policies, including the company’s anti-discrimination policy.
• Report the discrimination internally: Follow the reporting procedure found in your employee handbook. This usually involves reporting the incident to human resources or a supervisor.
• Seek medical or mental health care: Experiencing discrimination is traumatic. Seek professional assistance if necessary. Documentation of the emotional and physical toll the discrimination has taken on you can also be vital evidence.
• Contact an experienced employment law attorney: It is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Filing deadlines for employment law claims are very strict. Acting quickly is essential to preserve your legal rights.

Taking action early is crucial for building a strong legal case. At Marshall Forman and Schlein LLC, we will provide compassionate guidance and help you organize your documentation. As attorneys who exclusively practice employment and civil rights law, we can help you turn your evidence into a powerful case against your employer.

Can An Employer Ask You About Your Race During The Job Application Or Interview Process?

Generally, employers should not ask about your race during a job interview or on an application form when making hiring decisions, though some demographic information can be collected for legitimate purposes. However, the line between legal data collection and illegal screening is thin but critical. While employers can collect racial data for government reporting requirements, they must keep this information separate from hiring decisions and clearly mark it as voluntary. A rejection that follows shortly after you disclose your race may indicate “pretextual” hiring – when an employer claims to reject you for one reason but is actually considering your race. These situations often warrant legal investigation, as employers sometimes hide their true discriminatory motives behind seemingly legitimate reasons for not hiring someone.

What Can You Expect When Working With A Columbus Race Discrimination Attorney From Marshall Forman and Schlein LLC?

When you are fighting racial discrimination, you need a legal team that is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to your cause. We combine a professional approach with deep compassion to fight for the best possible outcome in your race discrimination claim.

Here are the unique characteristics that set our firm apart:

• A personalized and compassionate approach: When you come to the firm for help, you will get the chance to tell your story and have someone who truly cares listen.
• A proven track record of fighting large employers: We use our long history of success to hold powerful companies accountable for their discriminatory actions.
• Decades of combined experience: Our discrimination lawyers have handled every type of discrimination case imaginable and represent clients in all types of discrimination cases.
• An exclusive focus on employment and civil rights law: This dedication means we know the nuances of state and federal discrimination laws inside and out.

At Marshall Forman and Schlein LLC, we are passionate about helping those who have experienced workplace injustice and discrimination. Our goal is to make a real difference in your life, giving us focused knowledge to build your case. As one of very few firms in Ohio whose lawyers exclusively practice in these areas, our Columbus attorneys will stand by you every step of the way.

Consult A Columbus Racial Discrimination Attorney

Our racial discrimination lawyers at Marshall Forman and Schlein LLC are available to answer your questions and offer case evaluations. To schedule an appointment, you can call our office at 614-762-9727. You can also reach out to us using our online form. All inquiries are confidential.