You may be familiar with the word "discrimination." But do you know what it really means? And do you understand how it applies in the context of your job?
To "discriminate" against someone means to treat that person differently, or less favorably, for some reason. Discrimination can occur while you are at school, at work, or in a public place, such as a mall or subway station. You can be discriminated against by school friends, teachers, coaches, co-workers, managers, or business owners.
The EEOC is responsible for protecting you against one type of discrimination - employment discrimination because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability or age (age 40 or older). Other laws may protect you from other types of discrimination, such as discrimination at school or discrimination at work because of your sexual orientation.
The laws enforced by EEOC protect you against employment discrimination when it involves:
- Unfair treatment because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, or age (age 40 or older).
- Harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in your workplace, because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, or age (age 40 or older).
- Denial of a reasonable workplace change that you need because of your religious beliefs or disability.
- Retaliation because you complained about job discrimination, or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit.
For more information about the types of practices prohibited by the laws enforced by EEOC, see EEOC's Facts on on discriminatory practices.