Louisiana Commission on Human Rights

The Gulf Coast state of Louisiana saw its population drop from around 4,468,000 in 2000 to 4,410,000 in 2008 – this population decline can be almost directly attributed to an exodus of residents following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2006. Prior to Katrina, Louisiana had been pulling in a gross state product worth about $168 billion (per a 2005 estimate).

Louisiana boasts a profoundly unique heritage. Its French and Cajun influences can still be deeply felt, particularly in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Louisiana generates diverse agricultural products. The Cajun State exports sugarcane, crawfish, poultry, paper products, coal, and cotton, to name but a few money crops. South Louisiana’s port at the mouth of the Mississippi River is the biggest port in the entire hemisphere -- and the fourth biggest on Earth. New Orleans hosts a thriving tourism industry. In fact, conservative estimates put the amount of revenue generated by tourism alone in the state at around $5 billion annually.

The Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR) deals with LA employment discrimination complaints. This body has powers defined pursuant to state statutes 51:2235 and consists of an Executive Director and a nine-member Board of Commissioners. Pursuant to statutes 51:2231 and 23:301, the LCHR enforces laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against their employees on the basis of child birth, age, disability, race, gender, religion, color, or medical conditions. The Louisiana Commission on Human Rights also prohibits discrimination with respect to lending and banking practices and public accommodations. You can read more about the LCHR’s various policy nuances and enforcement mechanisms on the Commission’s official site.

The tragedy of Katrina taught the nation the dangers of unequal treatment. Many minority residents of New Orleans encountered employment discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and worse as they attempted to rebuild their lives in the wake of the hurricane.

If you feel like you have experienced discrimination, retaliation, or wage and hour violations at your Louisiana job, empower yourself by connecting with an attorney here at Joseph, Herzfeld, Hester & Kirschenbaum today.