Massachusetts Race Discrimination Laws: Your Rights

Quick Answer: Chapter 151B prohibits race discrimination at employers with 6+ employees—broader than federal Title VII (15+). Massachusetts includes color, national origin, and ancestry as protected categories. Strong enforcement through MCAD with 300-day filing deadline.

Massachusetts provides comprehensive race discrimination protections.

Massachusetts Race Protections

Chapter 151B

Protects against discrimination based on:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Ancestry

Applies to:

• 6+ employee employers
• All employment decisions
• Harassment

Broader Than Federal

Massachusetts advantage:

• 6+ employees (Title VII: 15+)
• Strong MCAD enforcement
• Includes ancestry protection

Federal Title VII

Also provides:

• 15+ employees
• EEOC enforcement
• Works with state law

What's Prohibited

Hiring

Cannot:

• Refuse hire based on race
• Use race in screening
• Discriminate in recruitment

Workplace Treatment

Cannot:

• Fire based on race
• Deny promotions
• Pay less due to race
• Segregate workers

Harassment

Prohibited:

• Racial slurs
• Offensive comments
• Hostile environment
• Racial stereotyping

Filing Complaints

MCAD (State)

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination:

• Phone: 617-994-6000
• Deadline: 300 days
• Strong enforcement

EEOC (Federal)

Also available:

• Phone: 617-565-3200
• Workshares with MCAD
• 300-day deadline

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Denied Promotion

Situation: Less qualified white employee promoted instead.

Analysis: Pattern may show discrimination. Document and file MCAD.

Scenario 2: Racial Harassment

Situation: Coworkers make racial comments, supervisor ignores.

Analysis: Employer must address. If they don't, file MCAD.

Scenario 3: Small Employer

Situation: Work for 8-person company facing discrimination.

Analysis: Chapter 151B covers 6+ employees. Protected.

Scenario 4: Discriminatory Termination

Situation: Fired, replaced by white employee.

Analysis: Suspicious circumstances. Document and file complaint.

Remedies Available

MCAD Relief

May obtain:

• Back pay
• Front pay
• Compensatory damages
• Emotional distress
• Attorney's fees

Court Action

Private lawsuit:

• After MCAD certification
• Jury trial available
• Full damages

Proving Race Discrimination

Evidence Types

Document:

• Discriminatory statements
• Treatment comparisons
• Pattern of behavior
• Statistics if available

Comparator Evidence

Show:

• Different treatment
• Similar situations
• No legitimate reason

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Massachusetts cover small employers?

Yes. Chapter 151B covers 6+ employees.

What's the filing deadline?

300 days with MCAD.

Can I sue in court?

Yes, after MCAD process.

What damages are available?

Back pay, emotional distress, attorney's fees.

Related Topics

• Massachusetts Workplace Discrimination
• Massachusetts National Origin Discrimination
• Massachusetts Employment Law Hub

Take Action

If facing race discrimination:

1. Document incidents
2. Report to HR
3. Note 300-day deadline
4. File MCAD complaint
5. Consult attorney

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about race discrimination in Massachusetts and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed Massachusetts employment attorney.

For official information:

• MCAD: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/mcad | 617-994-6000