According to some experts, racial discrimination statistics reveal that racial discrimination is still ever present in the United States. Racial discrimination, otherwise known as racism, is the unfair treatment of an individual based on their race, color, or national origin. United States law has prohibited racial discrimination in a range of settings, with particular attention to employment, lending, education, housing, and voting. According to civil rights law, all individuals have the right to equal opportunity without discrimination. In recognition of this, it is unlawful for to discriminate against a person based on their race. One common violation is in the case of employment, where an employer might unlawfully treat people of differently because of their race. For example, an employer cannot deny an employee a promotion because they are black, especially if it can be proven that promotions were given to a person of equal qualifications and ability. In addition to federal legislation, each state may have its own laws that govern discrimination within their state.