Know Your Rights Regarding Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination (or sex discrimination) occurs when an employee is treated differently because of gender. This type of discrimination is illegal when it impacts the terms and conditions of employment, including type of position, pay, title, schedule, leaves, promotion, and even whether or not a person is hired. Pregnancy discrimination and retaliation for taking maternity leave are forms of sex discrimination. We have a long history of advocating for the rights of employees who have confronted gender discrimination, sex discrimination, and pregnancy discrimination.
Several federal laws, including Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, protect employees from gender discrimination. Title VII also prohibits sexual harassment, which can include requests for sexual favors in exchange for favorable on-the-job treatment, as well as harassment that creates a hostile work environment. Massachusetts law also prohibits sexual harassment and gender discrimination, including pregnancy discrimination.
Asserting your rights can be difficult and confusing when confronting gender discrimination and sexual harassment, but we will provide the experienced guidance you need to ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today to arrange a consultation to discuss your situation.
If you believe that you have been a victim of gender discrimination, you should know that the deadlines for acting under the above laws can be very short. We can help you determine whether or not your employer’s actions constitute unlawful gender discrimination, and assist you in moving forward.