Workplaces can be extremely tense environments. While these environments can be shaped into more positive atmospheres, tense work environments are usually the basis of employment litigation. Many people think employment discrimination is just discriminating based on the color of someone’s skin, but there are many types of employment discrimination that create hostile work environments, prevent growth of hardworking employees, and lead to extensive litigation.
Types of Employment Discrimination
Sadly, employment discrimination comes in many forms. The Texas Workforce Commission divides employment discrimination into nine different categories, including:
- Age – Age discrimination can be against the very young or the very old. Regardless of someone’s age, they should be evaluated based on their skillset, not just a number.
- Sex – Although women are commonly discriminated against because of their sex, anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment and/or discrimination.
- Color – Workers are protected against discrimination based on the color of their skin during hiring, termination, promotion, compensation, or job training. Unfortunately, many employers violate this protection.
- Race – While racial discrimination is similar to discrimination based on color, it provides additional protection against discrimination based on physical characteristics, cultural practices, and even medical conditions that predominately affect one race over others.
- Nationality – Protection against nationality discrimination goes beyond where an individual was born; it also includes ancestry, culture, or linguistic characteristics common to a specific ethnic group.
- Religion – Religious discrimination goes beyond intolerance of someone’s personal beliefs. This type of discrimination can include refusing to allow workers to observe religious holidays or refusing to accept an employee’s religious dress.
- Disability – Many people with disabilities struggle to obtain jobs and pursue careers. Even when people with disabilities obtain work, their employers must make reasonable accommodations for them.
- Emergency Evacuation – In times of natural disasters, people may need to evacuate their homes to safe locations. If this occurs, these workers are protected from termination and other types of employment discrimination.
- Retaliation – Any employee that makes a complaint regarding discrimination is also protected from retaliation by his or her employer.
Employment Discrimination Attorneys
At Feldman & Feldman, we have helped many individuals and companies with employment discrimination matters. We understand that sometimes the best course of action isn’t in the courtroom, and our experienced negotiators can help bring a successful resolution without going to court. And, when the need arises, we can also aggressively fight for clients in civil trials and defend our victories on appeal.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, or if you are a business facing discrimination litigation, contact us today. We can explain your legal options and protect your best interests.