{"id":357700,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/overview-of-employment-and-anti-discrimination-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-03T11:51:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T16:51:27","slug":"overview-of-employment-and-anti-discrimination-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/overview-of-employment-and-anti-discrimination-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Employment and Anti-Discrimination Laws in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Employment and Anti-Discrimination Laws in the U.S. <\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Employment discrimination laws are designed to prevent unfair treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability. These laws, enforced by entities like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and supported by state agencies, ensure fair employment practices across public and private sectors. Important laws in the U.S. include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Equal Pay Act.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The federal government has enacted various laws that protect employees from unfair treatment. Anti-discrimination laws<\/a> prevent employers from using unfair employment practices based on protected characteristics.<\/p>\r\n

These laws permit states and cities to enact their own laws that mirror federal laws. Some also provide additional protections.<\/p>\r\n

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/a> (EEOC) handles complaints from employees. There are EEOC offices<\/a> all over the country that assist workers with discrimination claims. State employment agencies can also help workers who fall victim to discriminatory practices.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an overview of employment discrimination laws in the United States. To learn how these laws might apply to your situation, consider reaching out to a local discrimination attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

What Is a Protected Class?<\/h2>\r\n

Federal laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on protected characteristics. These are generally things a person cannot change, such as:<\/p>\r\n