Chapter 24
Discrimination in
Employment
24-1 Legal versus Illegal
Discrimination

When Is Discrimination
Illegal?
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Employment Discrimination: treating individuals differently on the basis of race, color, gender, pregnancy and pregnancy intention, age (40 or older), religion, disability, and national origin.

Protected Classes
Race and Color
Whomever is not white
Gender
Males or females
Pregnancy/Pregnancy Intention
A person’s childbearing condition or plans
Age
People over age 40 years of age

Protected Classes Cont…
Religion
People who have religious beliefs of any kind
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Disability
Physically or mentally disabled
 National Origin
Country of origin, language, and citizenship
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Other
Obese, smokers, and unattractive people
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Scope of Protection
In All Aspects of Employment
“term, condition, or privilege of employment” (pay, promotions, training, overtime, educational opportunities, travel requirements, shift rotation, firings, layoffs, postemployment letters of recommendation, etc…
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Scope of Protection Cont…
Governing Most Employers
Employers with 15 or more employees and engage in interstate commerce are subject to federal employment discrimination laws.
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Title VII of The Civil Rights
Act of 1964
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Forbids employers, employment agencies, and unions from discriminating in hiring, paying, training, promoting, or discharging employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex
Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC): agencies with authority to investigate and settle complaints of job discrimination.

Equal Pay Act of 1963
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