What Discrimination Laws Are Enforced By the Federal Government?

Discrimination in the workplace is a reality for many workers. Several discrimination laws have been put in place by the federal government to counteract this unfortunate truth and protect employees and applicants. If you require representation during a discrimination case, speak with a Marquette employment lawyer today to discuss your options.

What is the EEOC?

The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) is a federal agency designed to enforce anti-discrimination laws. Their work helps people of various backgrounds and walks of life avoid unfair treatment in the workplace. They take complaints from workers and conduct investigations to ensure employers are abiding by the law.

What Are the Federal Discrimination Laws?

The following are some anti-discrimination laws that are federally enforced by the EEOC.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Civil Rights Act includes Title VII which makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Employees who make a complaint or participate in a lawsuit are protected from retaliation under this act.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions like miscarriages and abortions.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967

Also known as the ADEA, this act makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants and employees based on their age. It protects workers 40 and older from discrimination and retaliation if they were to file a complaint or take part in an investigation about discrimination.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The ADA makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals based on a disability. It also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation upon request to ensure that an employee is able to perform the essential functions of their role.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963

This act makes it unlawful for employers to pay men and women differently given that they perform the same or similar tasks which require equal skill and effort. Wages cannot be determined based on gender and men and women must be paid equally for equal work, unless the difference is based on seniority or some other factor.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008

Title II of the GINA prohibits discrimination against employees because of diseases, conditions, or their family’s medical history. Under this act, federal agencies cannot base any employment decisions on genetic information.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2022

The PWFA requires employers to provide a reasonable accommodation for an employee who is experiencing limitations related to their pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. Given that the request will not cause undue hardship to the company, employers must make an effort to make an accommodation. Employees are also protected from retaliation under this act.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Two sections in the Rehabilitation Act, sections 501 and 505, prohibit employers from discriminating against an employee or applicant because of a disability. This act also protects employees from retaliation.

The EEOC enforces many anti-discrimination laws. If you feel like your employer has violated any of the above, contact an employment lawyer today to discuss your legal rights and options.