Common Forms of Employment Discrimination
There are several laws to prevent employment discrimination and resolve this issue should it happen. However, while there are laws in place, it still happens according to an employment litigation lawyer at Eric Siegel Law. Sometimes this discrimination can be undeniable, but in other cases, this discrimination can be more subtle. We’ll explore the six most common forms of employment discrimination that workers can face.
- Racial Discrimination
There’s no denying that racial discrimination still largely exists in our society today, even after the many efforts of the Civil Rights movement and litigation following the 60s. Unfortunately, this racial discrimination carries over into the workplace. Certain minority groups may not get hired. While some minorities get hired, they can still fail to get a promotion or receive a pay raise. They can also suffer from increased scrutiny from their supervisors or managers.
- Disability Discrimination
Disabilities can take on many forms, including physical and mental disabilities. However, while some disabilities make it impossible to work, many people with disabilities do or want to work. Many EEOC claims are the result of a disabled person being wrongfully mistreated. This mistreatment can stem from factors like a supervisor assuming an employee can fulfill a certain job. Unfair policies like having a strict, no-fault attendance or not allowing cashiers to still while doing their job are some examples.
- Gender Discrimination
Women and transgender people are often discriminated against in the workplace. This discrimination first manifests in a person not being hired for a job. However, discrimination can continue to persist even when they’re hired. For example, women often aren’t given leadership roles, have lower pay, or can face harassment from their co-workers. Someone who’s transgender or nonbinary may find themselves being misgendered beyond initial mistakes.
- Pregnancy Discrimination
Some companies will outright refuse to hire someone who is pregnant or admits that they would like to become pregnant in the future. Unfortunately, it’s also not uncommon for expecting mothers to be fired—often because a workplace won’t want to pay for maternity leave. Upon returning to work, some new mothers may not be given accommodations like having time to breastfeed or pump. A woman should never have to choose between their job or their kids, and the law will stand on their side.
- Religious Discrimination
Employees have the legal right to express their religious beliefs openly. However, a workplace punishing an employee for wearing clothing like a hijab or requiring they work on a significant religious holiday can face punishment. A worker shouldn’t be made to feel ashamed of their religion or culture or be made to hide it.
- Age Discrimination
Age discrimination also occurs often. Unfortunately, the job market can sometimes be volatile, forcing older members of society to seek work elsewhere. People over 40 often experience discrimination due to their age, forcing them to apply for more jobs than their younger counterparts. Of course, younger counterparts can face age discrimination as well, especially when they assume high levels in the workforce.