Discrimination Policies at Work
Discrimination policies require employers to create fair and equal work environments. Under federal law, no employee may be discriminated, against either during or after the hiring process. While some states protect against sexual orientation discrimination, that is not part of federal law. Discrimination complaints can be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Other People Are Reading
-
Purpose
-
Employees may not be discriminated against during the interview process. The purpose of discrimination policies at work, or equal employment opportunity policies, is to ensure that all employees can work in an equal manner and not be discriminated against. Employment laws prohibit discrimination both during the interview process, and once an employee holds a job.
Federal Law
-
Employers cannot discriminate against an employee based on religion. Under federal law, employers cannot discriminate against employees on the basis of religion, race, color, sex, pregnancy, age, disability or national origin. Federal law does not protect employees against discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity, although some states do offer those protections.
-
Enforcement
-
The EEOC's headquarters are in Washington D.C. The federal EEOC can investigate workplace discrimination charges. It can also bring legal action against any employer that violates the law. The EEOC has headquarters in Washington, D.C. and 53 offices around the United States.
Policies
-
Employers may draft an anti-discrimination workplace policy that allows all employees to clearly understand what behavior will and will not be tolerated. Such policies may cover the type of language that can be used with another employee, and actions that constitute "unwelcome conduct." It is illegal to retaliate against an employee who files a discrimination claim.
ADA
-
Disabled workers are protected under the ADA, which also protects those infected with HIV/AIDS. The Americans with Disabilities Act also protects employees against workplace discrimination. It states that all employees must be treated equally, regardless of disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, HIV/AIDS is considered a disability.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit la rencontre image by Yves Damin from Fotolia.com help wanted image by Tom Oliveira from Fotolia.com crucifix image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com Washington, DC Skyline image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com wheelchair access sign image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
