Employment discrimination occurs when an employer uses a reason such as an applicant’s gender, race, ethnicity, religion, physical disability, nationality or age to deny employment to the applicant or treat a currently employed individual in a different manner than other workers who are not part of the protected class of individuals. Federal employment laws have been established to prohibit discrimination on these grounds. Discrimination on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation is not acceptable grounds for employment discrimination cases in all jurisdictions, but some courts are beginning to recognize this characteristic as a potential ground to prevent discrimination. A civil rights lawyer can assist you if you have been discriminated against during the application process or through your existing employment. A skilled lawyer will advise you about how you should proceed with your claim.

The 14^th amendment of the United Stated Constitution grants citizens the right to equal protection of the laws. States are not permitted to violate a person’s civil rights or their right to due process. This amendment forbids states and the federal government from discriminating against potential employees, former employees or current employees when they are members of a protected class of individuals. Some laws also prevent private employers from discriminating against individuals for these reasons.

Various federal laws have been established regarding employment discrimination. In 1963, the Equal Pay Act was founded so that women and men would receive the same pay for completing the same type of work. In 1991, the Civil Rights Act allowed victims of employment discrimination to receive monetary compensation for their damages. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion or nationality. Other acts have been passed to protect against age discrimination and discrimination on the basis of a physical disability. These acts apply to both private sector jobs and public sector jobs. State and federal statutes are in place to protect against employment discrimination and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is responsible for the enforcement of these laws.

Employers can discriminate against workers in a variety of ways, including in hiring decisions, promotions, assignments, pay rate, termination and harassing practices. A civil rights lawyer can help explain the complicated issues that are involved with these types of cases and how various laws will apply to your case. An experienced civil rights lawyer will also be able to objectively evaluate the merits of your case and help you achieve the justice you deserve.