What is Discrimination in the Workplace?
Discrimination in the Workplace: Know Your Rights and Protect Yourself
Discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for employees. It can lead to unfair treatment, lost wages, and even emotional distress. If you believe you have been discriminated against at work, it's important to know your rights and take action.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is any act of treating someone differently based on a protected characteristic, such as:
Race
Religion
Gender
Sexual orientation
National origin
Age
Disability
Pregnancy
Military service
Discrimination can take many forms, including:
Hiring or firing someone based on a protected characteristic
Denying someone a promotion or raise
Creating a hostile work environment
Retaliating against someone for complaining about discrimination
What are the laws against discrimination?
There are a number of laws that protect employees from discrimination in the workplace, including:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, which prohibits discrimination against workers who are 40 years old or older
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, which prohibits discrimination against pregnant women
What should I do if I think I have been discriminated against?
If you think you have been discriminated against at work, you should take the following steps:
Keep a record of the discriminatory behavior, including the date, time, location, and what happened.
Report the discrimination to your supervisor, human resources department, or an equal opportunity employer (EEO) officer.
File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or your state or local fair employment agency.
Consult with an employment law attorney to discuss your legal options.
Discrimination is a serious issue that can have a profound impact on employees' lives. By knowing your rights and taking action, you can help to protect yourself and create a more just and equitable workplace for everyone.
Additional resources:
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): https://www.eeoc.gov/
National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA): https://www.nela.org/
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): https://www.aclu.org/
Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.
