12 Types of Discrimination Prohibited by Laws
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on September 30, 2015
According to Dictionary.com, the term “discrimination” can be defined as “any unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.” In recent years, our understanding of discrimination has expanded to include a much broader definition. Discrimination happens in many different realms including work, business, schools, and religious institutions, to name a few. And discrimination affects many different people.
Our increased understanding of discrimination has led to new ways to seek protection from this type of unfair treatment, ridicule and endangerment. In fact there are over 12 different discrimination laws protected by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
What Areas Do Current Discrimination Laws Cover?
In order to understand how you can protect yourself and others against certain types of discrimination, here are 12 areas current discrimination laws cover:
- Age: This type of discrimination prohibits the maltreatment and harassment against someone specifically for their age. Unfortunately, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act only protects those 40 years and older from discrimination. In some states, there are certain laws protecting younger workers from discrimination as well.
- Disability: The discrimination protection for those with disabilities only applies if the individual with a disability is qualified for the job and has a disability that can be defined by law. There are several types of discrimination inside this category and it involves protection against any discrimination during the entire employment process from the hiring to firing.
- Equal Pay and Compensation Discrimination: Under this type of discrimination, both men and women in the same workplace are required to receive equal pay for equal work. This not only covers equal pay for gender, but race, color, religion, age and disability as well.
- Genetic Information: This broad term can be defined as any information concerning an individual’s genetic tests and family medical history considered to be confidential. As of November 2009, the law prohibits the release of genetic information and discrimination during employment.
- Harassment: Laws have been created to protect individuals from offensive, intimidating and hostile behavior in the workplace.
- National Origin: Job applicants and employees are protected by the EEOC from any discrimination when it comes to their residential background, ethnicity and accent.
- Pregnancy: All employers and employees are prohibited by law from treating a woman adversely because of pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition due to childbirth. This applies to work situations, disability, harassment and parental leave as well.
- Race and Color: Any personal characteristics or racial differences are protected from discrimination in the workplace. This means that individuals cannot be treated
unfavorably for being a different race or color or being associated with another person of a different race or color. - Religion: This law covers those practicing traditional religions to those practicing sincerely held moral, ethical or religious beliefs. This involves protection from harassment, segregation, reasonable accommodation, grooming policies and undue hardship.
- Retaliation: This type of discrimination protection allows employees to file a discrimination charge without the punishment of being fired, demoted or harassed. This provides protection and security for those seeking guidance and support from the EEOC.
- Sex: There are specific discrimination laws protecting those of a different sex, gender identity and orientation. This also includes LGBT sex discrimination in the workplace.
- Sexual Harassment: This type of discrimination law protects individuals from any verbal and physical sexual harassment, as well as any unwelcome sexual advances or requests. This law protects sexual harassment from both sexes from employers, clients and co-workers.
While the interpretation of these laws may differ depending on the situation, they offer extremely important protections for those operating in the workplace. The EEOC wants everyone to know that they are protected from any of these 12 types of discrimination.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of some kind of workplace discrimination, you can find protection. Certain law firms like Cooper and Friedman Attorneys at Law have experience helping people who have been victims of discrimination. Call Cooper and Friedman today at 502-459-7555 to speak with a discrimination lawyer about your case. We can help you stay protected in the workplace.