Workplace discrimination remains a serious concern for employees across Southern Missouri. State and federal laws protect workers from being mistreated because of their personal characteristics. At Privette Law Office, we help employees understand their rights and hold employers accountable when discrimination occurs.
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of a legally protected characteristic. These protections are established under the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
Discrimination can affect many aspects of employment, including:
- Hiring and firing
- Promotions and demotions
- Pay and benefits
- Job assignments
- Training and opportunities
Protected Characteristics in Missouri and Federal Law
Employees in Southern Missouri are protected from workplace discrimination based on:
- Race and Color: Unfair treatment based on skin color, racial background, or associated characteristics.
- Gender and Sex: Includes discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy.
- Age: Workers age 40 and older are protected under the ADEA.
- Disability: Both physical and mental impairments are protected under the ADA if the employee can perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Religion: Employers must make reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances unless doing so causes undue hardship.
Other protected categories may include national origin, ancestry, and retaliation for reporting discrimination or harassment.
Direct vs. Indirect Discrimination
There are two main ways discrimination occurs in the workplace:
Direct Discrimination
Direct discrimination happens when an employer openly mistreats someone because of a protected characteristic.
Examples of direct discrimination include:
- Refusing to hire a qualified applicant because of their race.
- Firing an employee after learning they are pregnant.
- Denying a promotion to someone because they are over 50 years old.
Indirect Discrimination
Indirect discrimination occurs when a workplace policy or rule applies to everyone but disproportionately disadvantages people in a protected group. Even if it was not intentional, it can still be unlawful.
Examples of indirect discrimination include:
- A company rule requiring all employees to work late shifts, which may unfairly impact workers with certain religious practices.
- A “physical strength test” applied to all applicants that is not essential to the job, and could exclude individuals with disabilities.
- A mandatory dress code that restricts religious attire.
Employers must ensure that policies are fair, necessary for the job, and do not place undue burdens on specific groups.
Filing a Discrimination Claim in Southern Missouri
Employees who believe they have faced discrimination should:
- Document the behavior or policy: Keep records of incidents, emails, or conversations that demonstrate discrimination.
- Report the issue internally: Notify HR or a supervisor to give the employer a chance to address the problem.
- File a complaint with the MCHR or EEOC: These agencies investigate discrimination claims and may authorize a lawsuit.
- Consult an employment attorney: An attorney can review your case, explain your options, and pursue compensation if your rights were violated.
At Privette Law Office, we represent employees in Southern Missouri throughout the claims process, from filing administrative complaints to litigating in court when necessary.
Protecting Workers Across Southern Missouri
Every employee deserves a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. At Privette Law Office, we stand with workers in Southern Missouri to fight back against unlawful treatment and secure justice. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against at work, our experienced employment attorneys can help you take action.
Contact Privette Law Office today to discuss your case and protect your rights.