Florida residents have the right to work where they want without being discriminated against. Unfortunately, discrimination in the workplace still happens. It is important to keep an eye out for the actions and activities that can count as discrimination.
FindLaw takes a look at the basics of employment discrimination, defining it as a protected class being attacked unfairly on the basis of their status. As an example, pregnant women may face discrimination in the workplace due to being pregnant. They can be denied promotions because of misplaced beliefs that they will “abandon” the job as soon as they give birth, or are not taking their career seriously because they have chosen to become a parent, too. However, these actions – and any action against protected classes like this – are not legal and are considered to be discriminatory.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission examines the protected categories that can become the target of discriminatory behavior. They include:
- Disabilities
- Age
- Gender
- National origin
- Color or race
- Religion
Discrimination itself can take many different forms as well. It can include harassment, threats of demotion, or the refusal to promote a worker or give bonuses or raises equivalent to their position. It may involve giving a person degrading tasks or work that is below their position. In extreme cases, workers may be fired over discriminatory thoughts and behaviors.
Those who face discrimination at the workplace have the right to pursue damages for their hardships. They may benefit from contacting an attorney who can help represent their case.
