Top 5 Things to Know About Federal Employment Discrimination Laws

by | Apr 27, 2017 | Employment Law | 0 comments

Federal law forbids any form of discrimination in relation to employment. These laws are enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission which makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their race, religion, sex, or age.  A report released by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reveals data about the top cases of employment discrimination. Based on this report, we’ve compiled the top 5 categories with details of what you need to know about the Federal Employment Discrimination Laws.  

Retaliation Discrimination

In 2016 there were 42,018 reported cases of retaliation discrimination, making it the most common form of workplace discrimination. Retaliation discrimination is when an employee feels afraid to complain or stand up for themselves because they may be punished by their employer. This can be in the form of a demotion or some other form of disciplinary action.

Race/Color Discrimination

Race and color discrimination are second on the list with a reported 35,411 cases filed in 2016. Racial discrimination involves being overlooked for a job opportunity, terminated, demoted or harassed because of race. In cases of race an individual may be singled out or hear stray comments or statements with a racial overtone.

Sex Discrimination

Sex discrimination involves the act of treating an individual unfairly because of their sex. This law also includes members of the transgender as well as members of the LGBT community and applies to many aspects of employment including pay, job assignments, promotions, and layoffs. The EEOC reported 26,934 cases of sex discrimination cases in 2016.

Disability Discrimination

Discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities is prohibited. In addition to being overlooked for positions they may be qualified for, an individual may also find themselves in a situation where an employee may refuse to make reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities. Unfortunately, this is still a common occurrence today. The EEOC reported 28,073 cases of disability discrimination in 2016.

Age Discrimination

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act was passed in 1967. It protects people who are 40 years or older from employment based on their age. This act protects job applicants as well as employees. Age discrimination comes in the form of pressuring older employees to retire and overlooking them for new positions. Comments by employers about wanting a fresh face or youthful energy may be a sign of age discrimination. According to the EEOC, there were 20,857 reported cases of age discrimination.

If you believe you have been targeted for discrimination in your workplace, reach out to the discrimination lawyers at the Michigan Legal Center. Our team can provide you with expert legal advice and counsel. Contact us online or by phone at (800)-961-8477.

Detroit, MI – I-275 Car Accident Injures Victims at Eureka Rd

Detroit, MI (November 27, 2023) - On Monday, November 27, two or three drivers crashed on northbound Interstate 275 in the city of Detroit, resulting in at least one injury. At around 9:30 p.m., an accident occurred in the northbound lanes of Interstate 275 near the...

Ingham Co, MI – Semi-Truck Collision Causes Injury on I-96 at M-52

Ingham County, MI (November 27, 2023) - Traffic on westbound I-96 at M-52 was impacted Monday morning due to a crash. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reported the crash at around 8:00 a.m. on Nov. 27. Local footage captured photos of the crash, where...

Detroit, MI – Multi-Vehicle Wreck w/Injuries at 23 Mile & Hayes Rds

Detroit, MI (November 27, 2023) - On Monday afternoon, November 27, a collision involving at least two drivers and reported injuries occurred on 23 Mile Road in the Detroit metropolitan region. The Detroit Police Department was summoned to the site shortly after the...

Lansing, MI – Wrong-Way Crash on US 127 at Barnes Under Inquiry

Lansing, MI (November 27, 2023) - U.S. Highway 127 southbound, south of Barnes Road, was closed due to a possible wrong-way accident on Monday, November 27. Multiple fire and rescue services were sent to the scene. Within minutes, deputies from Lansing had also...

Detroit, MI – Pedestrian Collision, Injuries on I-94 Near 23 Mile

Detroit, MI (November 27, 2023) - On Monday evening, November 27, a driver in Detroit reportedly hit a pedestrian on a local highway, resulting in major injuries. The incident reportedly took place near eastbound I-94 and 23 Mile Road at around 8:40 p.m. No additional...

Detroit, MI – Injuries Occur in Car Accident on I-94 After 21 Mile

Detroit, MI (November 27, 2023) - An accident involving at least two drivers happened on a local highway on Monday, November 27, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation, resulting in a handful of potential victim injuries. At about 8:10 p.m., EMTs,...

Detroit, MI – DUI Suspected in Injury Vehicle Wreck on I-96

Detroit, MI (November 27, 2023) - Detroit police have released further details after a serious accident that occurred over the weekend and now believe alcohol was a factor in a crash on I-96 that hospitalized multiple people. According to authorities, the crash...

Detroit, MI – Injury-Causing Wreck on I-696 After Orchard Lake

Detroit, MI (November 27, 2023) - On Monday evening, November 27, a multiple-vehicle crash resulted in at least one injury at the scene and closed down a local highway, according to local authorities. Several drivers were involved in a collision that shut down...

Detroit, MI – Three Hurt After Driver Crashes into Fillmore on Woodward

Detroit, MI (November 27, 2023) - A driver crashed into The Fillmore on Monday, leaving a mess behind at the Downtown Detroit venue. Around 2:25 p.m., a woman driving an SUV hit the box office of the theater on Woodward Avenue. Though the box office was destroyed in...

Detroit, MI – M-39 Scene of Injury Accident Near Grand River

Detroit, MI (November 27, 2023) - After an accident on Monday afternoon, November 27, a local Detroit roadway was nearly completely closed. Multiple left lanes, along with the freeway ramp, of northbound Michigan Highway 39 at the Grand River exit were closed due to...