{"id":4696,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/employment-discrimination-and-harassment-dictionary.html"},"modified":"2026-09-02T16:05:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T21:05:04","slug":"employment-discrimination-and-harassment-dictionary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/employment-discrimination-and-harassment-dictionary.html","title":{"rendered":"Protect Your Business: An Employer’s Glossary of Discrimination and Harassment Terms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Protect Your Business: An Employer's Glossary of Discrimination and Harassment Terms<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \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\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Employment discrimination and harassment laws define illegal workplace conduct based on an employee’s protected characteristics, such as race, sex, or disability. For employers, understanding key legal terms like “retaliation,” “reasonable accommodation,” and “hostile <\/span>work environment<\/span>” is essential for ensuring compliance with federal and state rules. This knowledge is the first step in preventing costly lawsuits and fostering a fair and safe workplace for everyone.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Employment law acronyms and definitions can be confusing. Navigating the language of federal and state employment discrimination<\/a> and harassment<\/a> laws isn\u2019t always easy. This FindLaw glossary explains common terms and concepts to help small <\/span>business<\/span> owners<\/span> ensure compliance and manage risk.<\/p>\n

Key Laws and Agencies<\/h2>\n

These foundational federal anti-discrimination laws and government agencies define and enforce workplace anti-discrimination rules.<\/p>\n

ADA<\/span><\/strong> – The Americans with Disabilities Act<\/span><\/a>: This federal law<\/span> protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment, education, and access to public accommodations. Violators face fines and other sanctions.<\/p>\n

ADEA <\/strong>– The Age Discrimination in Employment Act<\/span><\/a>: This federal law<\/span> bans age discrimination against workers who are 40 or older. It applies to employers with 20 or more employees.<\/p>\n

Department of Labor<\/span> (DOL)<\/strong>: The U.S. Department of Labor<\/span><\/a> is the federal agency responsible for overseeing and enforcing laws related to wages, working conditions, and employee benefits<\/span>. Many states also have their own departments of labor.<\/p>\n

EEOC<\/span> <\/strong>– The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/span><\/a>: This federal agency investigates claims of workplace discrimination and harassment. An employee must typically file a charge with the EEOC<\/span> before filing a private lawsuit against their employer.<\/p>\n

FLSA <\/strong>– Fair Labor Standards Act: The FLSA<\/a> establishes the national minimum wage<\/span>, overtime pay, and other basic rules related to employee compensation and hours. It also offers other protections to workers.<\/p>\n

FMLA<\/span><\/strong> -The Family and Medical Leave Act<\/span><\/a>: This law applies to employers with 50 or more employees. It requires them to provide eligible workers with unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons.<\/p>\n

GINA <\/strong>– The Genetic Information<\/span> Nondiscrimination Act: GINA<\/a> makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or applicants based on their genetic information<\/span>, including family medical history. Some states offer additional protections.<\/p>\n

Title VII:<\/strong> Short for Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964<\/span><\/a>, this law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin<\/span>. It\u2019s considered a landmark for civil rights in the U.S.<\/p>\n

Types of Discrimination and Harassment<\/h2>\n

These terms define the specific illegal actions and behaviors that can lead to a discrimination or harassment claim<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Disparate Impact \/ Disparate Treatment<\/strong>: These are different types of discrimination.<\/p>\n