Employers in Mississippi 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 are also required to ensure that working conditions are not hostile toward any one gender and that the environment is not overtly 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. A discrimination claim may also succeed when employers in Biloxi 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. An employer in Biloxi can also possibly be held liable for inappropriate behavior that was conducted by an employee's co-worker.

If the employer permits conduct to create an overly sexual work environment, they may be held liable for sexual harassment in Mississippi. Gender discrimination is usually 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.