What is employment discrimination law?

Employment discrimination law is a set of rules that protect employees from being discriminated against in the workplace based on certain characteristics or traits. In Maryland, this type of law provides legal protection against unfair employment practices, such as being hired, fired, promoted, denied wages or benefits, or otherwise treated differently because of certain characteristics. The types of characteristics or traits that are protected by employment discrimination law in Maryland are race, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by law or regulation. This means that employers cannot discriminate against an employee based on any of these traits. Employment discrimination law also prohibits employers from creating hostile work environments or taking certain actions against employees simply because of one of the protected characteristics. For example, it is illegal for an employer to harass an employee or fail to make reasonable accommodations for a disability. Employment discrimination law is enforced at both the federal and state level. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency that enforces these laws. In Maryland, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing state anti-discrimination laws.

Related FAQs

Are employers allowed to ask job applicants questions about their disability?
How is a protected class identified under employment discrimination law?
Are employers required to provide employees with written notification of their right to file a discrimination claim?
How does an employee prove an employment discrimination claim?
Are there special rules that apply to small businesses and employers with fewer than 15 employees?
Who is protected by employment discrimination law?
Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their age?
Are employers prohibited from retaliating against employees for filing a discrimination claim?
Are employers allowed to terminate employees for engaging in protected activities?
Are there special rules that apply to religious employers and organizations?

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