3 Things You Should Know about Language and Accent Discrimination

Although it may not be explicitly protected by law, there are some instances when a person cannot be discriminated against because of the language they speak or the accent they have when speaking English. According to the law, these linguistic features are sometimes protected as a part of a person's national origin or ancestry.

If your employer has discriminated against you because of your language use or the way you speak English, there may be legal options available to help you protect yourself. For more information regarding your rights as an employee, contact a knowledgeable Houston discrimination lawyer from the Ross Law Group today at 713-482-6910.

When Is Language Discrimination Allowed?

In general, an employer can't discriminate against someone for having English as a second language or speaking with an accent. However, there are some exceptions to this. The following exceptions allow an employer to demand the use of English spoken closely to the American standard:

• When English is required for the business, namely in interacting with clients
• When English is required for safety reasons
• When English is required for efficient work

It is important to understand, though, that these exceptions do not allow an employer to discriminate against workers speaking in a foreign language while chatting in a break room or in another non-business situation.

Contact Us

If you've been discriminated against by an employer and are looking to a legal advisor for help, we are here for you. To discuss your rights in more detail, contact a committed Houston discrimination attorney from the Ross Law Group by calling 713-482-6910 today.