Violations of Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws

A key provision of federal law, Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, in the classification, selection, hiring, promotion, compensation, or termination of employees, or any other discrimination in benefits or other conditions of employment. Title VII establishes a federal agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, to seek out and eliminate unlawful employment practices in accordance with the procedures prescribed by Title VII. Title VII covers state and local governments, private employers with fifteen or more employees, labor organizations, employment services and apprenticeship programs.

The Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits discriminatory employment practices based upon age. Congress specifically enacted this law to promote employment of older persons based upon their ability rather than their age, and to prohibit arbitrary age discrimination in employment. This act provides protection for individuals who are at least 40 years of age.

The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits employers from maintaining wage differentials based up sex.

The Americans With Disabilities Act is a comprehensive federal statute aimed at eliminating discrimination against disabled persons in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 contains specific provisions barring employment discrimination against any qualified handicapped person by federal agencies, federal contractors, or recipients of federal financial assistance. The Act's protection extends to all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, benefits, and any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.

If you have been discriminated against in the area of employment, and want to bring a federal claim, contact the nearest office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC. EEOC offices are located throughout California please refer to your telephone directory under "Federal Government."