Federal and state laws prohibit employers from discriminating against a job applicant or an employee because of the individual’s race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age, or disability. These five types of workplace discrimination are described in more detail below. Race Discrimination in Minnesota Race discrimination involves treating an individual unfavorably because he or she is … [Read more...]
Can My Company Force a Haircut Against My Religion?
Many religions, including Sikhism, Islam, and sects of Judaism, require that men and women do not cut their hair or that men do not shave their beards. Can employers force employees to cut their hair or shave their beards against their religion? It depends on the specific situation. Understanding Title VII Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers with at least fifteen employees from discriminating against individuals … [Read more...]
Common Misconceptions About Religious Discrimination in Workplace
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”) prohibits employers with at least fifteen employees from discriminating against individuals because of their religion (or lack of religious belief) in hiring, firing, or any other terms and conditions of employment. Although the prohibition set out in Title VII sounds straightforward, there are several common misconceptions about what constitutes religious discrimination in the … [Read more...]
What Are Your Rights as a Pregnant Employee in Minnesota?
Despite strides in gender equality, pregnant women still face discrimination in today’s workplace. Adverse treatment of pregnant women often stems from stereotypes and assumptions about their capabilities and job commitment. Employment decisions based on such stereotypes or assumptions are illegal under state and federal law. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (“PDA”) was enacted in 1978 to make clear that discrimination based on pregnancy is … [Read more...]
Can I Legally Be Fired for What I Post on Facebook or Twitter?
Know Your Rights Minnesota is an employment “at will” state. “At will” employment means that an employer can fire an employee for any reason as long as the reason is not illegal. In some cases, employers may be able to legally fire employees for their social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. While employers can fire employees over their social media posts, there are instances in which it would be illegal to do so: First … [Read more...]
