Businesses that are open to the public must comply with all laws regarding discrimination when dealing with workers and customers. It is not legal or appropriate for a grocery store or other retailer to treat people from one background differently than others or deny someone services because of their race.
Unfortunately, that is exactly what racial profiling involves. Some companies will hire managers, security guards or loss prevention specialists who let racial bias affect how they do their jobs. They may racially profile shoppers and harass, assault or improperly detain them simply because of the color of their skin.
If you endured verbal abuse, emotional suffering or physical injury because of racial profiling leading to allegations of misconduct at a store, the retailer may have violated your civil rights.
Racial profiling leads to poor outcomes
Usually, when racial profiling makes the national news, the situation has to do with police officers. Racial profiling has historically led to unfair and uneven law enforcement efforts in different communities.
However, racial profiling can occur anywhere that individuals must judge the behavior of others and look for signs of criminality. Recently, a case of retail racial profiling from 2021 made the national news when a corrections professional from Georgia filed a lawsuit against a massive retailer.
The plaintiff alleges that they were subjected to not only racial profiling but also public humiliation, simply because of the color of his skin and his physical build. The security worker allegedly profiled him and called the police, who then handcuffed and arrested him. While it remains to be seen what will happen in this case, it is an important reminder for consumers about how retailers may not treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.
How do you fight back against racial profiling?
Whether you suffered a physical injury during an altercation with security guards or got arrested in front of your children, causing distress to your entire family, you may be in a position to hold the business responsible. Their inappropriate hiring or training practices may have contributed to the racial profiling incident you suffered on their premises.
Knowing when to take action after you suffer an injury in public can give you justice and save others from a similar experience.
