Discrimination at workplaces can affect job applicants, current employees, and even former employees. At the same time, in many cases, it can be difficult to know what is or is not illegal. There are many types of discrimination prevalent in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), it is prohibited for any employer or employment agency to discriminate based on various factors including, but not limited to age, sex, religion, and nation.
However, discrimination cases are not any less at workplaces. Discrimination can affect an employee’s ability to perform his or her job. To protect themselves from discrimination, it is advised to consult an employment lawyer in New Jersey. An employment lawyer can help you to determine whether or not your employer has violated a variety of laws against workplace discrimination.
Below are some common types of discrimination prevalent today at workplaces in New Jersey:
- Age discrimination
Age discrimination is illegal, and it is also considered one of the most prevalent types of discrimination in workplaces. It includes treating individuals in an adverse manner because of their age. This kind of discrimination is not limited to an employee’s age alone but is considered as the combination of the employee’s age and other factors such as the employee’s experience, education, skills, and abilities.
- Gender discrimination
Gender discrimination is also considered the most widespread type of discrimination in workplaces. This kind of discrimination includes treating a person differently from other persons from the stereotypical role based on their gender. For instance, it includes instructing an employee to perform a certain job based on their gender. Another form of gender discrimination is wrongful termination after being hired which results in failing to hire another person due to the same gender.
- Pregnancy discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination simply means treating pregnant women in a certain way or discriminating against them. For example, it includes terminating an employee’s job because of a pregnancy. In this case, it is a violation of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA).
- Racial discrimination
Racial discrimination is also considered one of the most prevalent types of discrimination in workplaces. Racial discrimination affects a person’s employment based on their race, which may include, but is not limited to, the denial of certain job opportunities and benefits, adverse treatment, and inability to pursue certain career opportunities and benefits.