Just Plain Discrimination

For over 40 years, race discrimination claims have been primarily asserted by minority employees: African-Americans, Hispanics, and members of various other racial or ethnic groups. On the rare occasion when a white employee alleged discrimination, it was called “reverse discrimination.” The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, composed of six conservative Republicans and two liberal Democrats, has increasingly placed the spotlight on discrimination against whites.

Today, this kind of discrimination is less likely to be called reverse discrimination. It’s just plain race discrimination. If an employee is discriminated against because he is white, that’s unlawful discrimination. It always has been. Though some argue that the Commission has gone too far in looking for discrimination against whites, the Commission’s actions probably reflect the coming result of the changing demographics of the U.S.

When the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted, the majority of Americans were white. Most discrimination was committed against minorities. It was logical, therefore, that most discrimination claims would be filed by members of minority groups. The U.S. has changed a lot in four decades.

It’s estimated that by 2040, the majority of Americans will be people of color. It seems logical, therefore, that an increasing number of discrimination claims will be filed by whites. Employment discrimination based on race — any race — is unlawful. In 30 years or so, the term “reverse discrimination” will be antiquated. Employees of all races will be filing discrimination claims. That fits perfectly with the long-term purpose of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.