{"id":4757,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/sample-anti-discrimination-and-harassment-policies.html"},"modified":"2026-08-25T10:27:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T15:27:07","slug":"sample-anti-discrimination-and-harassment-policies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/sample-anti-discrimination-and-harassment-policies.html","title":{"rendered":"Sample Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policies for Your Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sample Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policies for Your Business<\/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

A clear, written policy<\/span> is one of the most effective tools an employer has to prevent workplace discrimination<\/span> and harassment. An anti-discrimination policy<\/span> outlines a company’s commitment to equal opportunity in employment decisions like hiring, pay, and promotions. A related workplace <\/span>harassment<\/span> policy<\/span> specifically prohibits unwelcome conduct<\/span> based on a protected characteristic.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

While often discussed separately, anti-discrimination and anti-<\/span>harassment policies<\/span> work best when combined into a single, comprehensive “Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Anti-<\/span>Harassment Policy<\/span>.” This guide breaks down the essential components every employment discrimination<\/span> policy should have and provides sample language to help you draft your own.<\/p>\n

Anti-discrimination laws<\/span> vary significantly by state and city. This guide provides a starting point for small business<\/span> owners<\/span>, but it\u2019s still a good idea to consult with an employment law<\/span> attorney<\/a> to ensure your final policy complies with all local, state, and federal laws<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Why a Written Policy<\/span> Is Essential<\/h2>\n

Beyond legal compliance, a strong policy is a smart business decision. It shows your commitment to a safe, respectful workplace, which helps you attract and retain talented employees. A strong\u00a0anti-<\/span>harassment policy<\/span>,\u00a0harassment training<\/span>, and clear pathways for employees to report issues set everyone up for success.<\/p>\n

By setting clear expectations, you can reduce conflict and foster a more productive, positive company culture. It\u2019s your first line of defense in minimizing liability and managing risk.<\/p>\n

Core Components of an Effective Policy<\/h2>\n

A comprehensive policy should include several core components. Below, we explain each one and provide sample language.<\/p>\n

1. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement<\/h3>\n

This is the foundation of your policy. It formally declares your commitment to non-discrimination in all your company\u2019s employment practices<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Sample Language:<\/strong>
“[Your Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will not permit any employee, supervisor, or agent of the company to discriminate in any employment-related decision, including hiring, termination, promotion, compensation, or disciplinary action<\/span>. All employment decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation<\/span>, gender identity<\/span>, national origin<\/span>, age, disability, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to providing a work environment<\/span> free of discrimination.”<\/em><\/p>\n

2. The Anti-Harassment Statement<\/h3>\n

This section clearly defines what harassment is and states that it will not be tolerated.<\/p>\n

Sample Language:<\/strong>
“[Your Company Name] is committed to maintaining a workplace free of harassment. Harassment based on an individual’s protected status, including race, religion, sex, sexual orientation<\/span>, gender identity<\/span>, national origin<\/span>, age, or disability, is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action<\/span>, up to and including termination. This policy applies to all employees, managers, clients, vendors, and other visitors to our workplace.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Including a clear definition of\u00a0harassment<\/a> can go a long way toward establishing boundaries and protecting your company.<\/p>\n

Sample Definition:<\/strong>
“Harassment is unwelcome conduct<\/span> based on a protected characteristic. Conduct becomes unlawful harassment when enduring it becomes a condition of employment, or when the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile <\/span>work environment<\/span> that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Harassing behavior<\/span> can be verbal (e.g., slurs, offensive jokes), visual (e.g., offensive images), or physical (e.g., unwanted touching).”<\/em><\/p>\n

3. Specifically Address Sexual Harassment<\/span><\/h3>\n

Because sexual harassment<\/span><\/a> is a prevalent and serious issue, your policy should address it explicitly in your employee handbook<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Sample Language:<\/strong>
“Sexual harassment<\/span> is a form of sex discrimination and is strictly prohibited. It includes unwelcome sexual advances<\/span>, requests for sexual favors<\/span>, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature<\/span>. This policy prohibits two forms of sexual harassment<\/span>:<\/em><\/p>\n