Employment discrimination

Definition

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of characteristics such as race, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. This unfair treatment can manifest in various ways, including hiring practices, promotions, job assignments, and termination. Addressing employment discrimination is crucial to ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace, promoting diversity and inclusion within organizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Employment discrimination can occur based on various protected categories such as disability, race, gender, age, and religion.
2. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense.
3. Victims of employment discrimination have the right to file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission within a specified time frame after the discriminatory act occurs.
4. Employment discrimination not only affects individuals but can also have a negative impact on workplace morale and overall company performance.
5. Organizations are encouraged to implement diversity training programs to raise awareness about employment discrimination and promote a more inclusive work environment.

Review Questions

• How does employment discrimination based on disability differ from other forms of discrimination in the workplace?
  • Employment discrimination based on disability specifically targets individuals who have physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities. Unlike other forms of discrimination, it involves legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide reasonable accommodations. This means employers must actively engage in making adjustments to ensure disabled employees can perform their jobs effectively, which is not always required in cases of discrimination based on race or gender.
• What role does the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) play in addressing employment discrimination claims?
  • The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency tasked with enforcing laws against employment discrimination. It investigates complaints filed by individuals who believe they have been discriminated against based on protected characteristics. The EEOC can mediate disputes, issue findings, and if necessary, file lawsuits on behalf of victims of discrimination, ensuring accountability and enforcement of equal employment laws.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current laws addressing employment discrimination in protecting the rights of disabled individuals in the workplace.
  • Current laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act provide crucial protections for disabled individuals against employment discrimination. These laws require employers to make reasonable accommodations and prohibit adverse treatment based on disability status. However, effectiveness can vary based on employer compliance and employee awareness of their rights. Evaluating their impact involves assessing both legal outcomes and cultural attitudes toward disability in the workplace, indicating a need for ongoing advocacy and education to ensure these protections are fully realized.

Related terms

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): A federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee on the basis of protected characteristics.

reasonable accommodation: Modifications or adjustments to a job or work environment that enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions without being at a disadvantage.