In Rhode Island, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is banned 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 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 can be proven if men and women both work in the same place, do the same job, but are still paid differently. Discrimination claims in East Providence can be shown where the employer only hires one gender, promotes employees on the basis of gender, or acts in retaliation against a worker who has complained of employer misconduct.
When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?
Sexual harassment consists of all unwanted conduct of a sexual nature directed towards the victim, and includes both physical and verbal acts. An employer in East Providence might also possibly be held liable for inappropriate behavior that was conducted by an employee's co-worker.
Rhode Island employers may also be held liable for sexual harassment if it permits conduct that leads to an overly sexual work environment. 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.