Anti-discrimination Definition

Anti-discrimination protections in the United States gained momentum during the civil rights movement, leading to landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination in employment, education, and public accommodations. Subsequent laws expanded protections to cover additional characteristics, including age, disability, and genetic information, reflecting evolving societal standards around equality and fairness.

What Are Anti-Discrimination Laws?

Anti-discrimination laws at the federal, state, and local levels prohibit employers and others from treating individuals unfairly based on protected characteristics.

Key federal laws include:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin)
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

States and cities often provide additional protections that may go beyond federal requirements (e.g., covering sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, etc.).

How Do I Know the Laws for My State?

Anti-discrimination requirements can vary by jurisdiction. To help organizations navigate this complexity, We provides an up-to-date guide on state-specific workplace harassment and discrimination laws: Harassment Requirements by State

Examples of Protected Characteristics

• Race and ethnicity
• Gender and gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Age (40 and over)
• Disability (physical or mental)
• National origin
• Pregnancy status
• Genetic information
• Military or veteran status

How to File an EEOC Complaint?

Individuals who believe they have experienced workplace discrimination can file a complaint, called a “charge of discrimination,” with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

How to Approach a Discrimination Investigation

• Maintain neutrality and confidentiality
• Gather facts objectively and document findings
• Communicate process expectations to all parties
• Ensure the investigation is conducted fairly and without bias
• Take appropriate corrective action if necessary

Download our full guide to Discrimination Investigations with all the details.

How Emtrain Can Help

Emtrain delivers training, resources, and tools to help organizations understand and meet their anti-discrimination obligations, foster an inclusive workplace culture, and handle complaints appropriately.

Skills You Can Teach Your Employees to Prevent Discrimination

Relevant microlessons that help employees recognize and interrupt discrimination include:

• Prove It Again Bias
• Recognizing Bias at Work
• Racial Stereotypes
• Tightrope Bias
• Bullying and Aggressive Behavior
• Navigating Generational Differences
• Social Media Harassment
• Navigating Harassment from Clients
• When Workplace Jokes Go Over the Line
• Practicing Empathy and Composure
• Blindspots and Inappropriate Behavior
• Bias Against Asians
• Stop Islamophobia

Video Previews on Discrimination Scenarios

Example video scenarios that illustrate workplace discrimination issues:

• Generational Conflict and Workplace Harassment
• Recognizing and Overcoming Age Bias in the Workplace
• Natural Hair: Addressing Microaggressions
• Understanding Microaggressions Around Retirement

Resources Emtrain Provides

Courses:

• Equal Employment Opportunity Training
• Respecting Gender Diversity Training
• Inclusion Training

Blogs and Guides:

• Eliminating Discrimination Against Natural Hair in the Workplace
• Harassment and Discrimination Investigations Guide
• How to File an EEOC Complaint: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Bias in AI: How to Identify and Prevent Discrimination

Templates and Checklists:

• EEO Policy Template