Race Discrimination in the Workplace

Race discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee differently because of race, skin color, or racial characteristics. This discrimination can impact hiring, promotions, pay, discipline, job assignments, and termination—and it remains a persistent problem in workplaces across Missouri.

At Baldwin & Vernon Trial Attorneys, we represent employees in Kansas City and throughout Missouri and Kansas who have been harmed by race-based discrimination at work. Our practice is focused on employment litigation and real courtroom advocacy, because these cases often require employers to answer for conduct they prefer to deny or minimize.

What Race Discrimination Can Look Like

Race discrimination is often subtle, systemic, or masked behind subjective decision-making. Common examples include:

• Unequal discipline for similar conduct

• Being passed over for promotions or raises

• Termination under questionable or shifting explanations

• Racially charged comments, jokes, or stereotypes

• Increased scrutiny compared to similarly situated coworkers

• Exclusion from opportunities, projects, or leadership tracks

Even when discrimination is not explicit, patterns of unequal treatment can still violate the law.

Harassment and Hostile Work Environments

Race discrimination often overlaps with harassment that creates a hostile work environment. This may include repeated comments, slurs, stereotyping, or behavior that makes the workplace intimidating or degrading.

Employers have a legal duty to prevent and address racially hostile work environments. Ignoring complaints or allowing discriminatory behavior to continue can expose employers to liability.

Why Trial Experience Matters in Race Discrimination Cases

Employers rarely admit to racial bias. These cases often hinge on circumstantial evidence, credibility, and the ability to explain patterns of conduct clearly to a jury.

At Baldwin & Vernon Trial Attorneys, we prepare race discrimination cases as if they will be tried. That preparation creates leverage and ensures employers take these claims seriously.