Gender discrimination occurs when an employee faces inappropriate or unfair treatment because of his or her gender. Legally, gender discrimination falls under the umbrella of sex discrimination as defined by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This definition covers all instances of gender-based discrimination like harassment, refusing to hire or promote employees because of their gender, enforcing unfair workplace rules and requirements for employees of different genders, and denying employees of one gender-specific employment benefits. Although gender identity and sexual orientation are not included in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, there have been instances in which victims successfully demonstrate that these kinds of discrimination are instances of sex discrimination.
It can be easier to understand what constitutes gender discrimination in the workplace by reading examples of gender discrimination. A few examples include:
Any individual can be a victim or a perpetrator of gender discrimination. In some cases, sexual harassment accompanies gender discrimination in a workplace.
Document everything. Save screenshots of discriminatory communication, save emails and meeting notes that demonstrate discrimination has occurred, document discrepancies you experience in the workplace, and note the date, time, and context of each face-to-face interaction in which you feel you face gender discrimination.
Your first step with this information should be to discuss it with your supervisor. If your supervisor cannot rectify the issue, bring it to Human Resources. Be sure to document both of these interactions.
If you still cannot resolve the problem by bringing it to Human Resources, contact an experienced employment lawyer to discuss the possibility of filing a gender discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This could lead to an investigation by the EEOC, which may facilitate a settlement for your damages or lead to a discrimination lawsuit made on your behalf. Through a settlement or a ruling on a lawsuit, you can recover financial compensation for the damages you suffered because of the discrimination.
Gender discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue that can cost a victim tens of thousands of dollars or more in damages. If you are a gender discrimination victim, you have the right to pursue financial compensation for your damages through a gender discrimination claim. Contact the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline today to set up your initial legal consultation with an experienced employment lawyer and learn more about your rights and legal options.
