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 ?
• Most 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 , childbirth , and related medical 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
• Interference , coercion , or threats related to exercising rights regarding disability discrimination or pregnancy accommodation
What Employment Practices can be Challenged as Discriminatory ?
All aspects of employment , including :
• Discharge , firing , or lay-off
• Harassment ( including unwelcome verbal or physical conduct )
• Hiring or promotion
• Assignment
• Pay ( unequal wages or compensation )
• Failure to provide reasonable accommodation for a disability ; pregnancy , childbirth , or related medical condition ; or a sincerely-held religious belief , observance or practice
• Benefits
• Job training
• Classification
• Referral
• Obtaining or disclosing genetic information of employees
• Requesting or disclosing medical information of employees
• Conduct that might reasonably discourage someone from opposing discrimination , filing a charge , or participating in an investigation or proceeding
• Conduct that coerces , intimidates , threatens , or interferes with someone exercising their rights , or someone assisting or encouraging someone else to exercise rights , regarding disability discrimination ( including accommodation ) or pregnancy accommodation
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
Visit an EEOC field office ( information at www . eeoc . gov / field-office )
Call 1 – 800 – 669 – 4000 ( toll free ) 1 – 800 – 669 – 6820 ( TTY ) 1 – 844 – 234 – 5122 ( ASL video phone )
E-Mail info @ eeoc . gov
Additional information about the EEOC , including information about filing a charge of discrimination , is available at www . eeoc . gov .