Discrimination & Employee Protections

Remember in order for a discrimination policy to be effective it must be adequately disseminated and consistently applied. The policy should indicate what the consequences are for a violation of the policy. Discrimination policies should be referenced and incorporated into other business-related documentation such as job announcements, job descriptions, or corrective action materials. It is important for a discrimination policy to clearly identify appropriate and current contact information for discrimination complaints, including alternate contacts in case the harasser is the contact. After it has been developed, the policy should guide the development and implementation of all aspects of people management in your business. Be sure to provide a clear explanation of the responsibilities of both management and the applicant or employees.

Basic Discrimination Policy

Consider the development of a discrimination policy as an opportunity for your business to make an explicit commitment to the principles of equality. Choose a language and style that reflects your values and suits your business needs.

Example:

Widget Inc. is committed to valuing diversity. We believe that all employees and applicants should be treated with dignity and respect. At Widget Inc., we do not discriminate in employment based upon race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, or political beliefs. Any applicant for employment or employee who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination based upon any of these factors should immediately contact our Human Resources Department (include contact information). You may also contact the [State] Human Rights Bureau and/or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. We will not retaliate for making or participating in a complaint of discrimination.

To find out more about:

• Age Discrimination
• Disability Discrimination
• Equal Pay and Compensation Discrimination
• National Origin Discrimination
• Pregnancy Discrimination
• Race/Color Discrimination
• Religious Discrimination
• Retaliation
• Sex-Based Discrimination
• Sexual Harassment
• Discrimination Claims Process
• Discrimination Interactive Assessment System