Discrimination based on color – skin pigment, complexion, shade, or lightness or 
darkness – is illegal. Color is a separate protected category under Title VII, the primary federal law that prohibits workplace discrimination.
Discrimination based on race and color often overlap. Discrimination because of race means race is the reason, or at least a motivating factor, in an employer’s adverse treatment of an applicant or employee. Discrimination based on race or color can also occur when an employer’s neutral policy or practice disproportionately disadvantages employees of a particular race and there is no legitimate business reason to justify the policy or practice.
An employment policy or practice that applies to everyone, regardless of race or color, can be illegal if it has a negative impact on the employment of people of a particular race or color and is not job-related and necessary to the operation of the business.
Remember! It is unlawful to harass a person because of that person’s race or color!
