Common Misconceptions About Workplace Discrimination

Employment Discrimination Lawyer

Similarly to our interpersonal relationships outside of the workplace, you want to feel safe and respected when you come into work every day. If you experience discrimination at work, it can cause you to become uncomfortable and make your job more difficult, and cause stress on your relationships outside of work. However, you do not have to stand for that type of treatment. Talk to an employment discrimination lawyer about your legal options.

Here are some common misconceptions about workplace discrimination provided by our friends at Disparti Law Group.

Discrimination Must Be Intentional for Employers to Be Held Responsible

This is one of the most common myths about workplace discrimination. The truth is that both intentional and unintentional workplace discrimination is prohibited. Therefore, if your employer unintentionally discriminates against you, they can still be held liable. Examples of unintentional discrimination include height requirements for certain positions, dress codes that are restrictive to women and hairstyle policies that disproportionately affect employees of color.

Discrimination Only Occurs at the Worst Workplaces

Many people still assume that employees can only experience discrimination at the absolute worst workplace. However, discrimination can occur at just about any workplace. Even if employers do their best to ensure a fair and equitable workplace, biases and unintentional discrimination can still occur. 

An Employer Must Have a Good Reason to Fire You

This is not true either. Illinois is an at will state, so your employer does not actually need a good cause to fire you. Likewise, you do not need to provide your boss with a good reason for quitting or give a two-week notice. However, if you believe that you were solely fired for your religion, race, sexual orientation, disability or age, you may have a wrongful termination claim on your hands.

If Your Boss Is Mean to You, a Lawsuit is Warranted

It is certainly not pleasant to deal with a mean boss. It can make it more difficult to come into work every day. However, a mean boss does not justify a lawsuit. It is not against the law for bosses to be mean to their employees. However, if an employer acts meanly toward you due to your protected class, like your gender, age, disability or race, it is a wrongful act. In this situation, you may be able to sue for employment discrimination.

Employers Can Ask Applicants About Disabilities During Interviews

The Americans with Disabilities Act actually prohibits employers from asking job applicants about their disabilities during the interview process. Employers can’t ask about your previous work injuries, mental health problems and medications you currently take. If you were asked the questions during your interview, you may be a victim of discrimination. However, it is fine for employers to inquire about disabilities after they have hired an employee so that they can properly accommodate them.

If you have been discriminated against at work, you should schedule a consultation with a qualified employment discrimination attorney as soon as possible. What happened to you was not fair and you deserve justice.