In Texas, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. As such, employers may 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 particular gender and that it is not overly sexual.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Discrimination can be proven under the Equal Pay act if both men and women do the same type of work for the same employer but are nevertheless paid in different amounts. Employers in River Oaks 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?

Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual behavior, whether verbal or physical, directed at the victim. A River Oaks employer may be held liable for the unwelcome conduct, even if it was an employee's co-worker who engaged in the sexual harassment.

Texas employers may also be liable for allowing conduct to lead to a work environment that is overly sexual. 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.