In Rhode Island, 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 also must ensure that working environments are not hostile or biased towards a particular 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. Employers in Warren can 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?

Any unwelcome sexual behavior directed at the victim, including physical or verbal acts, is considered to be sexual harassment. A Warren employer may be held liable for the unwelcome conduct, even if it was an employee's co-worker who engaged in the sexual harassment.

Rhode Island employers who allow conduct to produce an overly sexual work atmosphere might also be held liable for sexual harassment. 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.