Most people know that employment discrimination laws prohibit most employers from engaging in discriminatory employment practices against their employees or applicants on the basis of their membership in a protected category or class such as their gender, race, religion, age, or disability. This area of the law can sometimes be confusing and complex since differing statutes, regulations, and guidelines can all simultaneously apply to an employer.
It comes as no surprise, then, that various myths and misunderstandings about employment discrimination laws exist. Below we examine some common beliefs and questions people have about employment discrimination laws to help separate fact from fiction and dispel commonplace myths and misconceptions. In doing so, we aim to help employees understand their rights and help employers create and maintain an inclusive workplace culture that is intolerant of any forms of illegal discrimination or harassment.