What is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination and harassment are both covered by a complicated area of law, and may not always be clearly defined by your employer. Some – but not all – employers have non-discrimination/equal employment opportunity policies spelled out in employee handbooks or a code of ethics.

But generally speaking, actions that can be described as discrimination are initiated by an employer, and actions described as harassment are initiated by an employee.

According to federal and state laws, the legal definition of unlawful discrimination is when someone (or a group of people) is treated less favorably than another person (or group) because of their race, color, age, sex, disability, religion, national or ethnic origin, or other characteristics that are included in anti-discrimination or human rights legislation.

What does discrimination look like in the workplace? Discrimination may manifest itself when the employer is demonstrating unfavorable treatment towards certain employees in comparison to others when:

– recruiting new employees;
– promoting current employees;
– dismissing certain employees;
– determining the wages earned by certain employees;
– determining the terms, conditions and benefits offered to certain employees, and
– offering opportunities for professional development (such as training).

If you believe you are the victim of discrimination in the workplace, you should consult with an employment law attorney immediately to learn more about your rights and determine the best course of action you can take to pursue justice. Employees who believe that their employment rights have been violated can file a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) without fearing retaliation. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against anyone filing an EEOC discrimination charge or participating in an EEOC discrimination investigation.

If you have questions regarding discrimination in the workplace or other Employment Law issues, contact Lajuana Ransaw at?lransaw@smithwelchlaw.com?or 770-957-3937.?Smith, Welch, Webb and White, LLC is recognized as a premier law firm throughout the State of Georgia with expertise in this area of law. We have an uncompromising commitment to serving our clients and our community. Our team of experts routinely handles a wide range of legal matters, and will provide outstanding legal service for you, your family or your business.

Any representations regarding the law in this Blog is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.