Can Your Company Be Sued For Affirmative Action?

Many companies want to ensure that they are hiring a diverse workforce, complete with representatives from a wide variety of genders, races, nationalities, and religions. Indeed, there are some laws that force American companies to hire a diverse workforce. But could this so-called “affirmative action” prove to be a legal issue in the future? If you hire someone purely because of their race, isn’t that a form of “reverse racism?” These questions can become highly complex and nuanced, and it’s not always easy to approach this kind of situation when you’re trying to run a company in Miami.

If your company is facing a lawsuit over issues concerning racism, alleged civil rights violations, or discrimination, you need to get in touch with a qualified, experienced business litigation attorney in Miami as soon as possible. These legal professionals can guide you towards a positive outcome in a highly efficient manner. While internet research can help you understand Florida’s affirmative action laws, a one-on-one consultation with a lawyer is necessary if you want to receive personalized advice based on your specific situation.

An Example of When Affirmative Action Can Lead to Lawsuits

 On September 16th, it was reported that Pfizer was being sued for its “Breakthrough Fellowship Program,” which provides Black, Latino, and Native American college students with summer internships, two years of guaranteed employment, and a scholarship. One organization accused the program of discriminating against white and Asian-American applicants, making it theoretically illegal under the Constitution.

The key factor here is that Pfizer receives assistance from the federal government, which means that the company’s operations must adhere to federal prohibitions on racial discrimination. The organization that is suing Pfizer is seeking just one dollar in damages, as their main goal is to obtain a temporary restraining order and injunction that will prevent Pfizer from continuing with this program.

Florida’s Affirmative Action Laws 

Over the past few years, Florida has been steadily pushing back against things like affirmative action and other race-based movements seen in more democratic states. For example, the recent Stop WOKE Act has the potential to prevent diversity efforts in the workplace – with companies who continue to engage in race-based activities risking legal action. In 1999, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush claimed to have wiped out affirmative action in the state. Although companies in the sunshine state might have good intentions when creating affirmative action programs, they must ensure that they are not violating state laws and restrictions in the process.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today 

For help from an experienced Miami business & financial dispute attorney, look no further than Alhalel Law. We know that running a business isn’t always easy in the Sunshine State, and employees can cause a wide range of legal issues if you’re not careful. The good news is that you can approach these legal issues in a confident, efficient manner with our assistance. Book your consultation as soon as possible to get started with an effective action plan.

Sources: 

fiercepharma.com/pharma/do-no-harm-organization-slaps-pfizer-racial-discrimination-lawsuit-excluding-white-and-asian

fortune.com/2022/05/03/florida-governor-desantis-signs-stop-woke-act-for-school-employers-diversity-race-gender/

washingtonpost.com/sf/national/2016/01/07/decidersbush/