Employment Discrimination
“Employment Discrimination” refers to unfair or unequal treatment of an individual or group based on certain characteristics in the context of employment. This includes hiring, promotion, job assignment, termination, and various terms and conditions of employment. Employment discrimination is prohibited by various federal, state, and local laws, and can be based on a variety of characteristics.
Common Grounds for Employment Discrimination
- Race and Color: Discrimination based on an individual’s race or skin color.
- Gender: Unequal treatment based on gender, including gender identity and sexual orientation.
- Age: Discrimination against individuals, typically those over 40 years old.
- Religion: Treating employees or applicants unfavorably because of their religious beliefs.
- National Origin: Discrimination because of an individual’s country of origin or ethnicity.
- Disability: Discrimination against individuals with disabilities in hiring, promotion, job assignments, training, termination, and other aspects of employment.
- Pregnancy: Treating women unfavorably in employment situations due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Legal Protections Against Employment Discrimination
Laws such as the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and others provide protections against employment discrimination. These laws typically include provisions for filing complaints, investigating allegations, and pursuing remedies including reinstatement, back pay, and damages.
In addition to federal laws, many states and localities have their own laws that may offer broader protections against employment discrimination.
