Employers in Michigan are banned from discriminating against employees on the basis of gender under the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. Consequently employers cannot use sex or gender as a basis for determinations regarding wages, hiring policies, or promotion policies. They also must ensure that working environments are not hostile or biased towards a certain gender, and that it is not of an overtly sexual atmosphere.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Under the Equal Pay Act, discrimination is proven when both men and women do the same type of work in the same job and yet are paid different wages. A discrimination claim may also succeed when employers in Kalamazoo County hire only one particular gender, issues promotions based on gender, or retaliates against persons who seek relief for employer misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Sexual harassment encompasses all unwanted sexual behavior, whether verbal or physical, directed at the victim. Employers in Kalamazoo County may also be liable for the behavior, even when the conduct was done by an employee's co-worker.

Michigan employers might also be liable for permitting conduct to lead to a work environment that is overly sexual. The specific details for proving intent to discrimination can be complicated, and so gender discrimination might be challenging to prove without an attorney. The procedures for filing can also be complex.