When it comes to employment opportunities, black and Latino individuals are getting fewer callbacks from employers compared to white applicants. This could have several negative consequences for New Jersey residents and others in the United States. As one might imagine, getting fewer calls generally results in getting fewer jobs. It may also mean taking lower quality jobs, which could have a negative impact on a person’s career.
It is also possible that companies that are willing to discriminate during the hiring process may pay a worker less based on race. In some cases, workers might have less power to negotiate in general because they don’t have as many offers. According to a recent meta-study analyzing 28 studies related to the topic of hiring practices conducted since 1989, blacks face the same level of discrimination that they did in the past. Latinos face only slightly lower levels of discrimination than they did in the past.
Discrimination may still exist even when an applicant has a college education. This is important to point out because many believe that a college degree helps any person get a job. According to the Center for Household Financial Stability, even educated black and Latino workers face a wage gap that may make it harder to buy a home or start a family.
It is illegal for employers to make hiring decisions based on an applicant’s race. Those who believe that they have been discriminated against may want to talk with an attorney. A lawyer could review a case to determine if the client has had his or her employment or civil rights violated.
