ARTICLE
1 August 2025

Race Discrimination In Executive Roles: What C-Suite Professionals Need To Know

You've earned your seat at the table, but that doesn't mean you're treated equally. In New York's corporate world, race discrimination doesn't disappear at the executive level.
United States New York Employment and HR

You've earned your seat at the table, but that doesn't mean you're treated equally. In New York's corporate world, race discrimination doesn't disappear at the executive level. It often becomes more subtle, more political, and more difficult to prove. Maybe you're repeatedly passed over for board appointments. Maybe your compensation package doesn't match your white peers'. Or maybe you've been excluded from key decisions, client pitches, or succession plans despite your results.

At Mizrahi Kroub LLP, our experienced New York racial discrimination lawyers represent high-level professionals who are navigating precisely these challenges. If you're a C-suite executive dealing with workplace discrimination based on race, we're here to protect your rights and your future.

What Constitutes Race Discrimination for Executives?

Race discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfairly, denied opportunities, or subjected to harassment due to their race, ethnicity, or national origin. For C-level executives, it often shows up in ways that aren't always obvious—like:

  • Unequal pay compared to white counterparts in similar roles
  • Stalled career progression, despite strong performance metrics
  • Tokenization—being included in leadership for optics but excluded from decision-making
  • Retaliation for raising DEI concerns or challenging unfair treatment
  • Derogatory comments or assumptions based on racial or cultural identity

These actions violate not only professional standards but also state and federal laws.

Legal Protections for C-Suite Professionals in New York

Race discrimination is prohibited under multiple laws that protect employees at all levels, including executives:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The New York State Human Rights Law

The New York City Human Rights Law

These laws cover discrimination in hiring, promotions, compensation, discipline, contract terms, and terminations. They also protect executives from retaliation if they report or oppose discriminatory practices. If your employer has engaged in systemic bias or failed to take action after a complaint, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

How Mizrahi Kroub LLP Fights for Executive Clients

At Mizrahi Kroub LLP, we understand that high-level discrimination cases require a sophisticated and discreet approach. We've represented senior executives across finance, healthcare, media, law, and tech—recovering substantial settlements and protecting reputations along the way. We'll work with you to:

  • Evaluate your claim with clarity and confidentiality
  • Gather critical evidence from contracts, communications, and HR records
  • Negotiate severance or corrective action, if appropriate
  • Pursue litigation when necessary to hold employers accountable

Our team brings over 50 years of combined experience, $1 billion+ recovered, and 5,000+ resolved cases to the table. We know what it takes to win—and we know how to protect your standing in a highly visible role.

Personalized Legal Support for High-Level Professionals

We tailor every strategy to your goals—whether you want to negotiate behind closed doors or go public and set precedent. Our attorneys understand what's at stake for executives: long-term earning potential, future board seats, industry reputation, and peace of mind.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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