Numerous federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws regulating employment practices prohibit employment decisions based upon certain characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, communicable diseases such as AIDS, genetic information and military and veteran status. Some of these characteristics (known as protected classes), such as race and national origin, are the subject of more than one federal law. Others, such as disability, are governed by both federal and state law. Not all employers, however, are subject to all of these laws – some laws apply only to employers maintaining workforces of a particular size, government contractors or government employers. Accordingly, each employer must carefully identify all federal and state laws that apply to its employment decisions.
Equal employment opportunities laws apply to all aspects of employment, not just hiring and firing. Covered aspects of employment include work assignments, overtime opportunities, performance measures, pay, training and constructive feedback, mentoring or networking, discipline and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. Employers in North Carolina should have a written equal employment opportunity policy. Model policies and forms can be found under a link located at theTo read the full chapter, Subscribe here or Sign In
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