EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, often referred to as just “Title VII,” is a federal law that forbids employers from engaging in discriminatory employment practices--which include firing, refusing to hire and disciplining--against employees on account of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Federal statutes also prohibit discrimination on the bases of age and disability.

Connecticut’s state employment statutes protect additional classes of people. In Connecticut, employers also may not discriminate on the basis of a person’s gender identity, sexual orientation and marital status.

Types of Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination can take many forms, some of which are more apparent than others. These include wrongful termination, denial of promotions, unequal pay, hostile work environments, and even subtle workplace behaviors that undermine your professional standing. Whether it’s overt actions like harassment or less obvious actions such as exclusion from opportunities or assignments, discrimination can impact your career and well-being. It’s essential to know your rights and recognize when you may be facing unlawful treatment.

Recognizing Discrimination in the Workplace

Discrimination in the workplace isn’t always blatant. It can manifest in subtle ways, such as being excluded from important meetings, receiving harsher discipline than colleagues for similar infractions, or being passed over for promotions despite strong qualifications. Discriminatory practices might also include unfavorable work conditions that disproportionately affect certain employees, such as scheduling conflicts targeting specific religious observances. Recognizing these signs and understanding that they could constitute illegal discrimination is the first step toward protecting your rights and ensuring fair treatment in your workplace.

Understanding Your Rights Under Connecticut Law

In addition to federal protections, Connecticut state laws provide some of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination protections in the country. Employers in Connecticut are held accountable for discriminatory practices related to gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, and even genetic information. These laws ensure that every employee or job applicant has the right to be evaluated based on their skills, experience, and qualifications, not on characteristics unrelated to job performance.

If you have been discriminated against by an employer or prospective employer, you may pursue a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency, or the Commissioner for Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), a state agency, depending on the type of discrimination, or file a lawsuit in federal or state court.

Pattis & Paz represent plaintiffs in employment discrimination actions in Connecticut state and federal courts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm was one of the few to aggressively and successfully represent employees who were fired from their jobs for refusing to receive vaccines in violation of their religious beliefs. If you have been subject to unlawful discrimination by an employer, contact Pattis & Paz today.