FAQS

1. What is Discrimination? Discrimination is unfair treatment or denial of privileges because of an individual's membership in a protected group.

2. What is Retaliation? Retaliation, also referred to as reprisal, is the taking of any adverse action against an individual because of his or her prior participation in the EEO process or opposition to discriminatory practices.

3. What is Sexual Harassment? Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly and affects a term, condition, or privilege of employment; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis of employment decisions affecting such individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

4. Who is protected from Employment Discrimination? Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history). Applicants, employees and former employees are also protected from retaliation (punishment) for filing a charge or complaint of discrimination, participating in a discrimination investigation or lawsuit, or opposing discrimination (for example, threatening to file a charge or complaint of discrimination).

5. How can I prevent harassment? You can prevent harassment by:

   • Informing employees that harassment is prohibited;

   • Identifying who employees should contact to discuss harassment questions or concerns;

   • Assuring employees that they will not be punished for asking questions or sharing their concerns;

   • Responding to harassment questions or concerns and investigating harassment complaints promptly and effectively; and

   • Ensuring that managers understand their responsibility to stop, address and prevent harassment.

6. What is Affirmative Action? Affirmative action is the process of a business or governmental agency in which it gives special rights of hiring or advancement to ethnic minorities to make up for past discrimination against that minority.

More FAQs coming…