Representing Victims of Discrimination

Types of Discrimination

Race, Color and National Origin

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects people against employment discrimination based on race and color, as well as national origin, sex, and religion. Racial discrimination is when a person is treated unjustly because of his/her race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin.

Gender and Sex

Gender discrimination is treating an employee in a different way because the individual is a woman or a man. When this form of discrimination takes place and affects the terms and/or conditions of employment, it is viewed as illegal. If the discrimination affects pay, title, position, vacation time and hours worked, it is unlawful.

Religion

Religious discrimination occurs when an employee is treated differently based on his/her religious beliefs, practices and preferences. Employers may not treat employees or applicants differently because of their religious beliefs or practices. Refusing to hire someone of a certain religion or having different work requirements because of that employee's religious beliefs or practices is unlawful.

Age

For individuals who are over 40 years of age, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects from employment discrimination based on age. It applies to employees and job applicants.

Disability

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process and with other aspects of employment including hiring, firing, promotion and compensation.

Pregnancy

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act was amended with the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Women who are pregnant or affected by related conditions are required to be treated in the same manner as other applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations.

Sexual Orientation

Some states and cities have enacted legislation and policies prohibiting discrimination against people based upon their sexual orientation. The original Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, was introduced to Congress in the 1970s and has been reintroduced multiple times over the years.