Despite the fact that workplace discrimination is illegal, some Indiana employees continue to find themselves held back in many aspects of their careers due to mistreatment based on their sex, race, religion or other protected characteristics. While many may realize that discrimination at work is unlawful, some might not realize their rights before they are even hired. Employers have a responsibility to avoid all forms of discrimination, including subconscious mistreatment that excludes certain people from interviews and therefore prevents them from being hired.
Employment discrimination is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as an array of other laws. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, disability, religion, national origin, pregnancy or genetic information is unlawful, and workers cannot be discriminated against for being at or over 40 years old. Sexual harassment, retaliation and unequal pay are all different forms of discriminatory behavior that can hold workers back on the job and deprive them of income and opportunities to pursue their career. Some types of discrimination may be more obvious than others, like the use of racial slurs or outright dismissal of people because of their gender or religion.
However, other types of discrimination may be more insidious. People may not speak openly about their discriminatory ideas, but unfair stereotypes may still have an influence on the decisions they make in hiring, promotions or terminations. In other cases, people may face unlawful retaliation after filing a complaint, speaking to investigative bodies like the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or even turning to HR about mistreatment on the job.
Workplace discrimination costs employees a great deal. Not only do they lose out on salary and career opportunities, they may suffer effects on their physical and mental health. An employment law attorney might help affected workers to take action and pursue justice.