The History of Employment Discrimination Laws in The United States

The History of Employment Discrimination Laws in The United States

The history of employment discrimination laws in the United States is a long and complex one, reflecting the country’s ongoing struggles with issues of race, gender, and other forms of discrimination.

The first employment discrimination law in the United States was the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment. This groundbreaking legislation marked a significant step forward in the fight for civil rights and equality, and it had a profound impact on the way that employers treated their employees.

However, the Civil Rights Act was just the beginning. In the years that followed, a number of other employment discrimination laws were passed, including the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (1967), the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (2009). These laws expanded the protection against discrimination to include age, disability, and pay discrimination, respectively.

In addition to federal employment discrimination laws, many states have also passed their own laws to protect against discrimination in the workplace. These state laws often provide additional protections beyond those provided by federal law, making it important for employers to be familiar with both federal and state employment discrimination laws.

Despite the progress that has been made in the area of employment discrimination, it remains a significant problem in the United States. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), charges of employment discrimination continue to be filed at a high rate, with more than 76,000 charges filed in 2020 alone. This demonstrates the need for continued efforts to combat discrimination in the workplace and ensure that all employees are treated fairly and with respect.

If you think that you may have been affected by employment discrimination in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hickory, North Carolina, Rock Hill, South Carolina, or Fort Mill, South Carolina, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a qualified and experienced employment discrimination lawyer. An employment discrimination lawyer can help you to understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court to help you get the best possible outcome for your case. Call us 24/7 at (866) BURTS-LAW.