Recognizing and Reporting Illegal Conduct in West Virginia Workplaces
Discrimination based on national origin is illegal — but it still happens in workplaces across West Virginia. Whether it’s unequal treatment due to your accent, ethnicity, or perceived background, national origin discrimination can derail careers and cause lasting harm. State and federal laws offer strong protections for workers — but enforcement starts with knowing your rights.
Addair Entsminger PLLC Supports Workers Facing National Origin Discrimination
At Addair Entsminger PLLC, we represent employees who have been treated unfairly because of where they or their families come from. We help clients gather evidence, understand their legal protections, and hold employers accountable under the law.
What Counts as National Origin Discrimination?
National origin discrimination involves treating an employee unfavorably because they are from a particular country or region, because of their ethnicity or accent, or because they appear to be of a certain ethnic background — whether or not they actually are.
Examples include:
- Denying promotions to employees with accents
- Mocking an employee’s name, language, or customs
- Assigning less favorable duties based on background
- Enforcing “English-only” rules without a business need
- Favoring U.S.-born employees for job opportunities
These actions are prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
Employer Policies That May Violate the Law
Some employers attempt to justify discriminatory practices with vague policies about “cultural fit” or “communication issues.” Others implement English-only rules that disproportionately affect certain employees. If these policies are applied inconsistently or used as a pretext for discrimination, they may violate the law.
Employers must evaluate employees on job performance — not ethnicity, national origin, or accent.
Filing a Complaint: What You Should Know
Victims of national origin discrimination can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. These agencies investigate complaints and may pursue legal remedies, including compensation and reinstatement.
It’s important to act quickly. Deadlines to file are short — often 180 or 300 days from the date of the last discriminatory act.
If you’ve been targeted at work because of your background, Addair Entsminger PLLC is ready to help you protect your rights. Call (304) 881-0411 today.
