Do You Know the Different Types of Workplace Discrimination?

There are a number of ways that people can be discriminated against in the workplace. It is likely that you know that you cannot be discriminated against due to your race, but there are several other types that are illegal as well.

Disabilities and Discrimination

Employers cannot discriminate against you because of a disability. You cannot be turned down for a job as long as you are qualified for the position, have the education and experience required, and can perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Your rights are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Age Discrimination

There are other laws that protect people from discrimination such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Not only can a prospective employer not hire you because of your age, but they cannot discipline you or demote you due to age. They must offer older workers the same benefits extended to younger employees. A violation of this law can result in serious penalties for an employer.

Sex Discrimination

Sex discrimination includes several issues. Employers cannot discriminate against employees due to their sex. They cannot offer women less pay than male employees that are doing the same job or refuse to promote them due to their sex. They cannot be discriminated against because of being pregnant or having a child. An example of a pregnancy discrimination lawyer kissimmee fl is The Leach Law Firm.

Genetic Discrimination

One type of discrimination that many people do not know about is genetic discrimination. A law that went into effect in 2008, makes it an illegal act for employers to decide whether or not to hire someone because of genetic information. For example, a prospective employee may carry a gene for a particular disease. If an employer inadvertently learns of this, they cannot refuse to hire that person. They are also not allowed to ask about a person’s family medical history during the hiring process or afterward.

Discrimination in any form is illegal. This is why there have been laws put in place to protect people from being discriminated against in the workplace.