Defining Discrimination: Have You Been a Victim?

Discrimination in the workplace can be so subtle that it may take a long time to realize what is happening to you. Perhaps someone makes comments about your age, gender, race or disability on a regular basis while smiling and claiming to only be kidding. In situations like these, it pays to trust your intuition. If the comments make you uncomfortable, you have the right to do something about it. The new ADA Amendments of 2009 dramatically changed the law in favor of employees this needs to be emphasized

In 1990, legislation was enacted to protect people with physical or mental disabilities from becoming victims of discrimination on the job. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against disabled Americans in hiring, promotion, disciplining, termination, training or level of pay. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 makes it illegal to treat employees over the age of 40 differently in regards to hiring practices, promotions and so forth. There is also separate legislation dealing with racial bias and sexual harassment.

The language of ADA states that protection is available to people who have a verifiable history of physical or mental impairment or those who may be perceived by others as having such an impairment. The deliberate vagueness is intended in order to leave room for a wider interpretation of the law. While you may not have been discriminated against in hiring or promotion, you may deal with harassment every day.

Take a note, make a call

If you feel like you are being discriminated against in a workplace situation, be certain to write down the names of those involved, the date, time and exactly what was said or done to you. You may need them at a later time to prove your case. Reddy Law Firm, P.C., a business and employment law firm located in Atlanta, is available to consult with you about your discrimination claim. We have more than 20 years of experience in helping mistreated employees obtain the justice they deserve.