Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida

Discrimination

I have worked, this year, as a full time instructional employee at a large public institution of higher learning. I have had outstanding ratings, perfect attendance, and my students consistently have the highest scores on a standarized test given at the school. I have received awards, I have been published, I work on committees, and I am very highly regarded, professionally. I am well liked, personally, and get along great with collegues, superiors, and subordinates.

When I applied for the permanent position of the job that I currently have, however, I was told that I could not be considered for the job because I was the wrong color. In every other way I am the most qualified applicant. I was told that I would have the job if I were a minority, but I am a non-hispanic white person. I have been told that there is not any other applicant as qualified as I. I have been told that they may have to re-advertise the position.

What, if anything, can I do? I've never considered legal action for anything before this, and while I know that not everything in life is fair, this just seems wrong and unjust in myriad ways. It affects many people. Thank you.


Asked on 3/20/07, 12:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Stern Shavitz Law Group

Re: Discrimination

If your race was a motivating factor in why you were not hired, you may have a claim for discrimination based upon federal and/or state law. The institution where you worked should have an EEO Officer (or some equivalent title), so you can file a complaint with that office and you can and should also contact an attorney to determine what rights you have. The Florida Commission on Human Relations and Equal Opportunity Commission--or your local county agency--will be able to help you process a Charge of Discrimination.

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Answered on 3/24/07, 8:30 am


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