Gender Equity in the Workplace

Singling out employees on the basis of gender is prohibited by law.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 made it illegal to pay men and women differently for "substantially equal work." The Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbade employers to discriminate in hiring, promotion or firing on the basis of race or gender.

Enforcement

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was established under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in order to implement the law. Employees subjected to workplace discrimination, including harassment, can file a complaint with the EEOC for investigation.

Interpretations

Freedom from discrimination on the basis of gender has been protected in cases relating to pregnancy, nursing and gender reassignment. Gender discrimination is forbidden in every aspect of employment, from job advertising and recruitment to discharge and references.

Harassment

All forms of harassment are illegal in the workplace. "Simple teasing," isolated episodes or the odd off-hand remark do not legally constitute harassment, but a pattern of conduct that creates a hostile or offensive work environment does; for example, repeated episodes of disparagement, graffiti or unwanted sexual advances are harassment.

References

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Laws, Regulations and Guidance: Types of Discrimination: Sex
• National Archives: Teaching With Documents: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the EEOC