About the Workplace Harassment Act

The workplace employment act was initiated in 1964, which covered discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual harassment. In 1967, a new act was added to include age discrimination, and in 1990 the last act was passed that covered Americans with Disabilities. These three must be adhered to by all American companies, failure to do so can lead to an employee lawsuits.

Discrimination in Hiring Practices

An employer cannot legally dismiss hiring someone because of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age. If they are found to engage in such practices, litigation can be taken against the company. Moreover, an employer cannot hire a particular race and offer more compensation if they do not have more qualifications than someone of another race or gender. These are easily proven by those making claims against a company.

On the Job Harassment

Being harassed on the job is also illegal. For instance, an employer that allows employees to engage in racial jokes that are insulting can be held liable. Moreover, making crude sexual comments is also against the law, be it towards male or female workers. In addition, an employer is not allowed to send emails that are sexual in nature or include photos that are deemed sexual in content. Making crude age or disability jokes on the job or not allowing the individual to complete work tasks is also harassment.

Other Types of Harassment

Sometimes workplace bullying occurs in companies. This refers to a minority of any of the protected classes being bullied by not only management but by coworkers as well. When management allows workers to be bullied by other employees, they are essentially taking part in the bullying. It is a serious offense and most companies today have strict rules against workplace discrimination.