Minnesota Gender Discrimination Attorneys

Protecting Your Rights in the Workplace in Minneapolis

Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on sex or gender. Nearly every state, including Minnesota, has additional laws that further safeguard employees from gender-based discrimination. These protections extend to all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, tenure, promotions, salary, benefits, working conditions, and other privileges of employment. Employers are also prohibited from engaging in "disparate treatment," meaning they cannot treat employees of one sex differently than those of another in employment decisions.

Landmark Legal Protections for Gender and LGBTQ+ Workers

In 2020, the United States Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling affirming that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ+ workers from discrimination. The Court ruled that an employer who discriminates against an employee based on sexual orientation or gender identity is engaging in sex discrimination. This means that firing or refusing to hire someone because they are gay, lesbian, or transgender is a violation of federal civil rights law. This decision has strengthened workplace protections and reinforced the principle that employment decisions must be based on merit, not bias.

Types of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

Gender discrimination can take many forms, both overt and subtle. Below are some of the most common types of workplace gender discrimination:

Disparate Treatment

This occurs when an employer explicitly treats employees differently based on their gender. Examples include:

• Paying employees of one gender less than their counterparts performing the same work under similar conditions.
• Refusing to promote qualified employees based on their sex or gender identity.
• Firing or disciplining employees unfairly based on their gender.

Disparate Impact

Even if a workplace policy appears neutral, it may still be discriminatory if it disproportionately affects employees of one gender. For example:

• A company policy requiring all employees to lift a certain weight may disproportionately exclude women from job opportunities.
• A promotion system that favors employees who do not take parental leave may disproportionately disadvantage women who take maternity leave.

Pregnancy Discrimination

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Examples include:

• Firing an employee for announcing their pregnancy.
• Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, such as modified duties or additional breaks.
• Demoting an employee upon return from maternity leave.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination that can create a hostile work environment. This includes:

• Unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.
• Offensive comments, jokes, or gestures related to an individual’s gender.
• Creating a workplace environment where employees feel unsafe due to gender-based hostility.

Examples of Workplace Gender Discrimination

• Unequal Pay: Employees of one gender receive lower salaries or fewer benefits than employees of another gender for the same work.
• Career Advancement Disparities: Promotions and leadership roles are disproportionately given to employees of one gender.
• Hostile Work Environment: A workplace culture that tolerates gender-based slurs, offensive jokes, or exclusionary behavior.
• Hiring and Firing Bias: Employers favoring candidates of one gender over another for certain positions.
• Retaliation: An employer punishes an employee for filing a gender discrimination complaint.

How Our Minnesota Gender Discrimination Attorneys Can Help

If you believe you have been the victim of gender discrimination in the workplace, you have legal rights. Our Minnesota attorneys can help you by:

• Assessing Your Case: Determining whether your employer has violated state or federal employment laws.
• Filing Complaints: Assisting with complaints to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
• Negotiating Settlements: Advocating for fair compensation and workplace policy changes.
• Representing You in Court: Taking legal action against discriminatory employers when necessary.

Consult with Our MN Gender Discrimination Attorneys Today

You don’t have to face gender discrimination alone. Our Minnesota employment lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and holding employers accountable for unlawful workplace practices. We are committed to helping employees fight discrimination and secure the justice they deserve throughout Minneapolis and surrounding areas.

Please call (877) 344-4628 or contact us online to request a free consultation to discuss your legal options.