Whenever a person or a group of people is treated unequally or unfairly due to specific characteristics like ethnicity, race, gender, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or national origin, this is known as discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination is something that can occur between colleagues who are already working, with job applicants, or between employers and employees. Whether done purposefully or by accident, irrespective of the intention, discrimination is always considered illegal.
If you are someone who has been a victim of workplace discrimination, you can hire employment discrimination attorneys Charlotte NC who can guide you through the legal matters.
What is the difference between discrimination and harassment?
When you are treated differently at your workplace because you belong to a protected class, this is called discrimination. In other words, when someone treats you unfairly because of the person you are, or the person you are perceived to be, you are discriminated against.
On the other hand, harassment is unwanted and unpleasant behavior. This could include something that was written to you or said to you, or it could be in appropriate physical contact. The offender is persistent and deliberate in this kind of conduct, which creates a hostile environment in your workplace.
As per the United States Government, harassment includes distasteful jokes, ridiculous insults, threats, or physical assaults. Harassment can also take a sexual form and include offensive sexual remarks, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or physical contact. As the environment in your workplace becomes hostile, abusive, and unwelcoming, this is termed illegal.
Different types of workplace discrimination
- Religious discrimination: It is illegal for an employer to treat his employees unequally based on their religious practices and beliefs.
- Race discrimination: When an employer treats a job applicant or a potential employee unfairly due to his race or any other associated characteristics, this is illegal.
- Disability discrimination: Under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, it is illegal to take any unfair action against job candidates or employees who are disabled. No employer has the right to refuse to hire any disabled candidate or pay them an unfair wage.
Therefore, if you have been subject to workplace discrimination or you know someone who has been a victim of the same, it is high time you speak with an employment discrimination attorney. He will know the legal details of your case and help you navigate through the complex matters of pursuing a lawsuit.
