Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Federal laws that protect you from discrimination in employment. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against at work or in applying for a job, the EEOC may be able to help. Who is Protected? • Employees (current and former), including managers and temporary employees • Job applicants • Union members and applicants for membership in a union What Organizations are Covered? • M ost private employers • State and local governments (as employers) • Educational institutions (as employers) • Unions • Staffing agencies What Types of Employment Discrimination are Illegal? Under the EEOC’s laws, an employer may not discriminate against you, regardless of your immigration status, on the bases of: • Race • Color • Religion • National origin • Sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity) • Age (40 and older) • Disability • Genetic information (including employer requests for, or purchase, use, or disclosure of genetic tests, genetic services, or family medical history) • Retaliation for filing a charge, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in a discrimination lawsuit, investigation, or proceeding. What Employment Practices can be Challenged as Discriminatory? All aspects of employment, including: • Discharge, firing, or lay-off • Job training • Harassment (including unwelcome verbal or physical conduct) • Hiring or promotion • Assignment • Classification • Referral • Obtaining or disclosing genetic information of employees • Pay (unequal wages or compensation) • Failure to provide reasonable accommodation for a disability or a sincerely- held religious belief , observanc e or practice • Requesting or disclosing medical information of employees • C onduct that might reasonably discourage someone from opposing discrimination, filing a charge, or participating in an investigation or proceeding. • Benefits What can You Do if You Believe Discrimination has Occurred? Contact the EEOC promptly if you suspect discrimination. Do not delay, because there are strict time limits for filing a charge of discrimination (180 or 300 days, depending on where you live/ work). You can reach the EEOC in any of the following ways: Submit an inquiry through the EEOC’s public portal: https://publicportal.eeoc.gov/Portal/Login.aspx Call 1–800–669–4000 (toll free) 1–800–669–6820 (TTY) 1–844–234–5122 (ASL video phone) Visit an EEOC field office (information at www.eeoc.gov/field-office ) E-Mail info@eeoc.gov Additional information about the EEOC, including information about filing a charge of discrimination, is available at www.eeoc.gov.
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