Are employers allowed to hire or fire an employee based on gender?

In Virginia, employers are not allowed to hire or fire an employee based on their gender. This is prohibited by the Virginia Human Rights Act which makes it illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, nationality, religion, age, or disability. Hiring or firing an employee on the basis of their gender is considered an act of discrimination and is forbidden. This act applies to employers with more than five employees, and applies to job postings as well as hiring, firing, and promotion decisions. Employers may not take into account any of these characteristics when making decisions about which applicants to hire, how to reward or promote someone, or when terminating an employee. Employers must also take care to ensure that all job postings state that they are an equal opportunity employer, meaning that they do not discriminate on the basis of gender or any other protected characteristic. Employers must also take steps to ensure that discrimination does not occur in the workplace, such as providing training on workplace expectations and ensuring that employees feel safe and respected. If an employee feels they have been discriminated against due to their gender, they can file a complaint with the Virginia Division of Human Rights and receive legal advice and assistance. Overall, employers in Virginia are not allowed to hire or fire an employee based on gender or other protected characteristics. They are also required to take steps to ensure that their workplace is free from discrimination.

Related FAQs

Are employers allowed to ask job applicants about their criminal records?
What is the occupational safety and health act (OSHA)?
Can employers ask job applicants about criminal convictions?
Are employers required to provide health and safety training to employees?
What is the Employee Polygraph Protection Act?
Are employers allowed to require dress codes?
Are employers allowed to require employees to work on holidays?
Can an employer require an employee to work overtime?
What are the disability/bereavement rights of an employee?
What are the requirements for providing workers' compensation?

Related Blog Posts

Employment Law Overview: What Employers Need to Know - July 31, 2023
Understanding Compensable Time in Employment Law - August 7, 2023
Minimum Wage Standards in Employment Law: What Employers Need to Understand - August 14, 2023
An Overview of Unemployment Benefits and Related Employment Laws - August 21, 2023
Common Mistakes Employers Make in Employment Law - August 28, 2023