Discrimination
Race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disabilities & sexual orientation
Federal, State and Local laws offer numerous protections for people who have encountered discrimination.
Since the 1960s our society has made significant progress in establish laws to combat discrimination. Unfortunately, discrimination continues in employment, housing, social and other settings. Federal, State and Local laws offer numerous protections for people who have encountered discrimination based upon race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disabilities and sexual orientation. Federal, State and Local laws also prohibit sexual harassment or misconduct. Other laws provide protection for persons with disabilities or medical conditions.
Anti-Discrimination laws include the following:
- Age— The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits discrimination against workers and job applicants over the age of 40. The New York State Human Rights Law and the NYC Human Rights Law also prohibit age discrimination.
- Religion— Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as well as New York State and NYC Human rights laws, prohibit employment discrimination based on religious affiliation or observance.
- LGBT— LGBT discrimination is prohibited by New York State and NYC Human rights laws.
- Disability— The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York State and NYC human rights laws prohibit employers from discriminating against disabled individuals who are able to perform the essential functions of their jobs with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Race— Discrimination on the basis of race, whether intentional or not, is prohibited by Federal, New York State and NYC law.
- National Origin— Discrimination based on a person’s ancestry is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act, Immigration and Nationality Act, New York State and NYC human rights laws.
- Gender— Gender discrimination is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act and New York State and NYC human rights laws.
- Pregnancy— Pregnancy discrimination protection is included under the Civil Rights Act’s prohibition against gender discrimination, as well as specifically under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Pregnant women and family members may also have rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
These laws provide for financial compensation as a remedy and deterrent to unlawful discrimination. While in some cases the discriminatory actions and practices are clear and obvious more often the discriminatory intent is hidden or subtle and often require investigation and documentation.
If you feel that you have encountered such discrimination, contact Certain & Zilberg, PLLC for a free consultation during which we will help you determine whether you have a claim and can pursue monetary damages.
Call us today to see how we can help. Consultations are free and without obligation.