KidsWeb: Fair Employment

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WHAT IS FAIR EMPLOYMENT?

You have the right to get and keep a job that you're qualified for — with dignity and without discrimination. Federal, state and local fair employment laws say that no one can deny you a job or treat you differently on the job because of your race, color, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. These groups are called "protected bases."

Who Enforces Fair Employment Laws?

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Local civil rights offices enforce local fair employment laws. We want everyone to know about these protections and what to do if discrimination happens.

What Do Employers and Employment Agencies Have To Do?

Here are some of the important requirements of fair employment laws:

	Hiring: When employers hire people for jobs, they should only think about things like education and experience. Fair employment means that they don't take your protected bases into account. For example, an employer cannot refuse to hire someone because he is Asian or because he is Muslim.
	Similar treatment: Fair employment laws help make sure that employers and employment agencies do not treat applicants and employees differently because of their protected bases. Employers must apply the same rules to all employees. For example, they cannot discipline one employee more than others just because he was born in another country. Or an employer cannot give women less pay if they do the same job as males.
	Training opportunities: Employers must give chances for job training to all employees who are in the same job class. For example, an employer should offer workshops or apprentice programs to everyone, and cannot exclude gay employees.
	No harassment: Fair employment laws forbid harassment. If an employee is treated badly because of his protected basis, the employer must do something about it. For example, the owner should stop a supervisor who whistles at female employees. Or, the foreman must take steps to stop an employee from calling a coworker racial names.
	Disability Access: People with disabilities sometimes need "accommodations" so that they can work at their jobs. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations. For example, a supervisor should allow a blind employee to have her guide dog in the office. Or an employee who uses a wheelchair might need his employer to provide a parking space near the front door.

What To Do If Discrimination Happens To You

Civil rights offices investigate discrimination complaints for free. If an employer or employment agency has done something that you think might be discrimination, you can contact a civil rights agency. Tell the investigator what happened and why you think your "protected basis" caused the negative action. If you file a complaint, the investigator will look at records, interview witnesses, and collect evidence to see if there is proof that discrimination happened. If the evidence shows discrimination, the employer will need to change the situation and in most cases, pay back the employee for the damage that was done.

Everyone has a right to nondiscrimination. Fair employment is not only the right thing to do — it's also good business. Employers are not expected to provide special treatment, just equal treatment.

Know your fair employment rights! If you think discrimination occurred, do something about it!

Updated: Dec. 29, 2006

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