In South Dakota, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. In accordance, employers may not take gender into account when making decisions regarding wages, hiring, or promotions. They must also make sure that working environments will not be hostile towards a specific gender and that the work atmosphere is not overly sexual.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Discrimination occurs according to the Equal Pay Act if both men and women are working in the same job and performing the same tasks, yet receive different wages. A discrimination claim may also succeed when employers in Watertown hire only one specific gender, issues promotions based on gender, or retaliates against persons who seek relief for employer misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual behavior, whether verbal or physical, directed at the victim. Employers in Watertown might also be liable for the behavior, even when the conduct was done by an employee's co-worker.

If the employer allows conduct to create an overly sexual work environment, they might be held liable for sexual harassment in South Dakota. Gender discrimination is typically difficult to prove without a lawyer because the specifics of proving intent can be complicated. There are also detailed procedures that must be followed when pursuing a claim.