It is not against the law to hate other people, to say awful things about fellow human beings, or to socialize with others who share racist or bigoted views. The First Amendment protects the rights of all Americans to make their feelings known, even when they are not pleasant. And according to a recent report published by the Southern Poverty Law Center, some in Texas take full advantage of this freedom.
There is no doubt that most people who live within the borders of our great state are generous, kind, and fair and with hearts as big as Texas itself. But, there is a small percentage of our population that chooses to practice hate. The 2013 report notes that 57 hate groups were in Texas this past year, down from 62 groups the year before, with eight finding a home in Houston. The groups include several gatherings of the Ku Klux Klan, the Nation of Islam, and the New Black Panther Party. These numbers place Texas third behind California and Florida in the number of organizations tagged as hate groups.
While individuals have a right to believe in a racist ideology, these beliefs cannot carry over into the workplace. Employers who single out workers based on race or fellow employees who make an office unbearable with racist language or behavior can and should face legal repercussions for their choices.
At Bertolino LLP, we have attorneys who specialize in workplace discrimination. If you believe you have been fired from a job or passed over for a promotion simply based on your race, we can help. Please contact our offices today and tell us about your situation. We will work diligently to get you the justice you deserve.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
