August 13, 2010

Does Your Employee Background Check Violate Race Discrimination Laws?

This AP article describes some of the serious concerns that employers need to consider when using criminal records and credit reports to make hiring decisions. As reported, such use may violate employment discrimination laws. For an analysis of whether your company's employee background checks raise potential legal problems, feel free to contact Lori Searcy at 703-644-4122.


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July 2, 2010

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e, et seq., as amended

As a courtesy to employers and employment lawyers, The Employment Law Chronicle provides links to the text of key Federal, Virginia, and District of Columbia labor and employment laws published on government sites.

Title VII prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or sex.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Title VII:

WHAT IS TITLE VII?

Title VII is a federal law that prohibits employers and other covered entities from discriminating against an employee or job applicant because of the person's race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is incorporated into Title VII. Title VII also protects against retaliation and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for religion.

WHAT TYPE OF EMPLOYER ACTS ARE ILLEGAL UNDER TITLE VII?

Title VII protects employees and applicants from discrimination in all terms, conditions or privileges of employment. For example, it is illegal to engage in sexual harassment or to harass an employee based on any other protected category, such as race, religion, or national origin. It is also illegal to discriminate in hiring, job advertisements, recruitment practices, tests, assignments, training opportunities, promotions, pay, benefits, discipline, discharge, employment referrals, breaks, leave, perks, or other terms, conditions or privileges of employment.

Continue reading "Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e, et seq., as amended" »

March 17, 2009

Employment Discrimination Law (Federal): Reconstruction Era Civil Rights Acts: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981, 1983, 1985, and 1986.

In my ongoing effort to chronicle in one place (this blog) the major employment laws affecting employers in Virginia and the District of Columbia, here is an overview of the Reconstruction Era Civil Rights Acts as applied to modern-day employment discrimination lawsuits.

Continue reading "Employment Discrimination Law (Federal): Reconstruction Era Civil Rights Acts: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981, 1983, 1985, and 1986." »

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June 30, 2008

D.C. Employment Law: District of Columbia Human Rights Act (DCHRA), D.C. Code §§ 2.1401.01 et seq.

As a courtesy to employment lawyers and employers, The Employment Law Chronicle provides links to the text of key Federal, Virginia, and District of Columbia labor and employment laws published on government sites.

The DC Human Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin. sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, or political affiliation.
June 30, 2008

Virginia Employment Law: Virginia Human Rights Act, Virginia Code Chapter 39, §§ 2.2-3900 et. seq.

As a courtesy to employers and employment lawyers, The Employment Law Chronicle provides links to the text of key Federal, Virginia, and District of Columbia labor and employment laws published on public sites.

The Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, or disability.