Employment discrimination

Employment discrimination is a form of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity by employers. Earnings differentials or occupational differentiation—where differences in pay come from differences in qualifications or responsibilities—should not be confused with employment discrimination.

Definition

Discrimination can result in unequal opportunity. Employers may not refuse to hire an individual based on their characteristics unrelated to job performance. Individuals who have been discriminated against can file a complaint with the government, and may be entitled to remedial action.

Types of Employment Discrimination

There are several types of employment discrimination including:

• Age Discrimination - This involves treating an applicant or employee less favorably because of his or her age.
• Disability Discrimination - This involves treating a qualified individual with a disability who is an employee or applicant unfavorably because she has a disability.
• Genetic Information Discrimination - It is illegal to discriminate against employees or applicants because of genetic information.
• National Origin Discrimination - It is illegal to discriminate because of a person's birthplace, ancestry, culture or language.
• Pregnancy Discrimination - This involves treating a woman (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth.
• Race/Color Discrimination - This involves treating someone unfavorably because he/she is of a certain race or because of personal characteristics associated with race (such as hair texture, skin color, or certain facial features).
• Religious Discrimination - It involves treating a person (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of his or her religious beliefs.
• Sex Discrimination - This involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of that person's sex.
• Sexual Orientation Discrimination - This involves treating a person (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of his or her sexual orientation.

Laws Against Employment Discrimination

In many countries, laws have been established to prevent employment discrimination. In the United States, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee.

See Also

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Workplace Discrimination
• Civil Rights Act of 1964