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 nevertheless paid differently. Employers in Warwick 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. A Warwick employer can 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 may also be held liable for sexual harassment. Without a lawyer, it can be difficult to prove gender discrimination because the details in proving intent are often complicated. Also, there can be specific procedures that must be closely followed in pursuing a claim.