At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- List civil rights laws
- Describe discriminatory practices
- List types of workplace discrimination
- Describe the impact of discrimination on the workplace
- Describe how to recognize and deal with discrimination
- Describe penalties and discipline for discrimination
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What are the federal laws that prohibit job discrimination?
They are: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Equal Pay Act of 1963, Age Discrimination of Employment Act of 1967, Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991.
Who enforces these federal laws?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
What are considered discriminatory practices?
Unjustly compensating (wages, benefits, etc.), transferring, promoting, recruiting, testing, or training an individual based on one's prejudices.
What are protected classes?
They are characteristics or factors that can't be targeted for discrimination or harassment. These include: race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability status, or veteran status.
Are there common types of workplace discrimination?
Yes, they include: race, color, religious, national origin, age, sex, disabilities, and veteran discriminations.
Are all forms of discrimination obvious?
No, they are not. Other subtle forms of discrimination include: side comments, teasing, joking, or gestures.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
Knowing the types and impact of discrimination is important, but awareness should not stop there. Managers, supervisors, and coworkers must keep a close eye out for incidents of discrimination within the workplace. Nothing can be changed, prevented, or improved if people do not take the time to get involved. Remember that discrimination is not always obvious. Threats or harassment may take the form of side comments, teasing, jokes, or even gestures. If you observe any incidents of discrimination, keep a detailed account of the incident. Including the date, time, location, and names of witnesses. Refer to your company's policy to know what actions will have to be taken. And notify your supervisor, or the human resources department.
Use the additional resources and links below to learn more about this topic:
- US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - http://www.eeoc.gov/
- EEOC Types of Discrimination - http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/index.cfm
- National Archives – www.archives.gov
- Teaching with Documents - http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/civil-rights-act/
- US Senate Committee of the Judiciary – www.judiciary.senate.gov
- US Senate Judiciary Committee History - http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/about/history/CivilRightsAct.cfm