Employers in Minnesota are banned from discriminating against employees on the basis of gender under the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. As such, employers can not use make any determinations based on gender in any areas such as wage amounts, hiring, and promotion criteria. They must also ensure that the workplace environment is not hostile to a certain gender and that it is not overly sexual.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Discrimination happens 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. Employers in New Hope will also be held liable in a discrimination claim if their hiring and promotion policies favor one gender, or if the they take retaliatory action against a worker who files a complaint against their employer.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

All unwelcome sexual behavior directed at the victim, including physical or verbal acts, is considered to be sexual harassment. An employer in New Hope might be liable for such conduct, even when it is simply other co-workers that have engaged in harassment.

If the employer permits conduct to create an overly sexual work environment, they may be held liable for sexual harassment in Minnesota. It can be difficult to prove gender discrimination without first obtaining a lawyer, since specifics such as proving intent can often be complicated. There might also be procedures that must be followed in detail when one pursues a claim.