Standing Against Racial Discrimination

Racial discrimination is both reprehensible and illegal. Federal and state laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on their race or country of national origin. Attorney Michael O. Massey, with his J.D. earned with High Honors from the University of Florida College of Law, has dedicated his practice to fighting against racial injustice in the workplace since establishing Massey & Duffy, PLLC in 2003.

Graduating in the top 10% of his class and serving as Senior Research Editor for the Florida Journal of International Law, Attorney Massey brings exceptional analytical skills and legal acumen to race discrimination cases. He has successfully represented clients in numerous race discrimination cases, securing significant compensation and justice for those affected by workplace bias.

Recognizing Forms of Race Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms beyond wrongful termination. Attorney Massey's judicial clerkship experience with Chief Judge Maurice M. Paul in the U.S. District Court provides him with valuable insight into how federal courts recognize and address various manifestations of racial discrimination:

Common Forms of Race Discrimination

  • Failure to Hire - Rejecting qualified applicants based on race or ethnicity

  • Promotion Denial - Overlooking deserving employees for advancement due to racial bias

  • Unfair Demotions - Reducing responsibilities or position based on racial considerations

  • Unequal Pay - Compensation disparities between equally qualified employees of different races

  • Racial Harassment - Offensive comments, slurs, or conduct creating a hostile environment

  • Discriminatory Discipline - Inconsistent enforcement of policies based on race

  • Wrongful Termination - Firing decisions influenced by racial prejudice

  • Segregation - Isolating employees based on race or limiting customer contact

  • Discriminatory Policies - Seemingly neutral rules that disproportionately impact certain racial groups

The Legal Framework for Race Discrimination Claims

Attorney Massey's academic excellence, evidenced by multiple Book Awards including one in Civil Procedure, provides him with comprehensive knowledge of the legal protections against racial discrimination:

Federal Protections

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act - Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, and national origin

  • Section 1981 - Provides additional protections against racial discrimination in contractual relationships

  • Executive Order 11246 - Requires federal contractors to take affirmative steps to ensure equal opportunity

Florida State Protections

  • Florida Civil Rights Act - State-level prohibitions on racial discrimination in employment

  • Local Ordinances - Additional protections in Alachua County and surrounding areas

Building Strong Race Discrimination Cases

Drawing on his experience in construction litigation at Vezina, Lawrence, & Piscitelli, P.A. and Moye, O'Brien, O'Rourke, Hogan & Pickert, P.A., Attorney Massey implements strategic approaches to race discrimination claims:

Evidence Development

  • Comparative Treatment Analysis - Examining how employees of different races are treated

  • Statistical Evidence - Identifying patterns of racial disparities in employment decisions

  • Direct Evidence - Documenting racially charged statements or explicit bias

  • Hostile Environment Documentation - Cataloging incidents creating a racially hostile workplace

  • Policy Implementation Review - Analyzing discriminatory application of workplace rules

Addressing Common Defense Tactics

Attorney Massey's specialized LL.M. in Taxation and previous experience as an International Tax Senior Consultant at Deloitte & Touche provide him with exceptional analytical skills to counter employer defenses:

  • Pretext Identification - Exposing false justifications for discriminatory actions

  • Business Necessity Analysis - Challenging claims about essential job requirements

  • Alternative Practice Evaluation - Identifying less discriminatory options available to employers

  • Legitimate Reason Rebuttal - Demonstrating that stated reasons mask racial bias

  • Comparative Discipline Assessment - Revealing inconsistent application of policies

How Do I Know If I Have a Case?

It can sometimes be challenging to determine whether race played a role in your employer's decisions. If you believe you have been discriminated against but are unsure if your employer's actions were illegal, Attorney Massey can review the details of your case and provide an honest assessment based on his comprehensive legal background.

Common Indicators of Race Discrimination

  • Suspect Timing - Adverse actions following complaints about racial issues

  • Inconsistent Explanations - Shifting reasons given for employment decisions

  • Disparate Treatment - Similar situations handled differently based on race

  • Code Words or Stereotypes - Use of racial stereotypes or coded language

  • Pattern of Exclusion - Systematic exclusion from opportunities or advancement

  • Deviation from Procedures - Failure to follow standard protocols for certain racial groups

Everyone Is Welcome

At Massey & Duffy, PLLC, Attorney Massey cares deeply about people of all races and religions. Whether you are white, black, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American, he is here to help. He is a passionate advocate for individuals from all faiths, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others. With his distinguished educational background and commitment to civil rights, he understands the unique challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds and is committed to fighting for your rights.

Comprehensive Approach to Race Discrimination Cases

Attorney Massey implements a strategic methodology for handling race discrimination claims:

Initial Case Assessment

  • Detailed Fact Investigation - Gathering evidence of racial bias or differential treatment

  • Document Review - Analyzing performance evaluations, communications, and policy applications

  • Comparative Analysis - Examining treatment of employees of different racial backgrounds

  • Pattern Identification - Uncovering broader discriminatory practices affecting multiple employees

  • Damage Assessment - Calculating financial impact of discriminatory actions

Strategic Case Development

  • EEOC/FCHR Charge Preparation - Crafting compelling administrative complaints

  • Evidence Preservation - Securing documentation before it disappears

  • Witness Identification - Locating current and former employees who observed discrimination

  • Expert Consultation - Working with statisticians and industry experts when needed

  • Settlement Negotiation - Leveraging evidence for favorable pre-litigation resolution

Effective Litigation Strategy

  • Focused Discovery - Targeting key documents and testimony

  • Dispositive Motion Practice - Defeating employer attempts to dismiss valid claims

  • Compelling Trial Presentation - Translating complex evidence into persuasive narratives

  • Damages Calculation - Detailed assessment of economic and non-economic losses

  • Appeal Preparation - Preserving issues for potential appellate review

Fighting for Your Rights

If you have been harassed, fired, or otherwise discriminated against because of your race, religion, or national origin, Attorney Michael Massey is ready to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. The legal process involves filing a complaint, gathering evidence, and either negotiating a settlement or proceeding to trial.

With his distinguished educational background and commitment to civil rights, Attorney Massey provides sophisticated representation focused on securing justice for victims of racial discrimination in the workplace.

Contact Attorney Michael Massey at (352) 359-7538 or Massey@352law.com for a confidential evaluation of your race discrimination case.