Workplace Discrimination in Connecticut

Discrimination is an all-too-familiar scenario for many in the workplace. Likewise, it is also the most common type of workplace lawsuit that workers file. An experienced Connecticut workplace discrimination attorney can help. Find out how.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Discrimination in the workplace deals with unfair treatment. These laws find their basis in factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, physical qualities, or age. Workplace discrimination can occur between employees or between employers and existing or prospective employees.

Connecticut Labor laws make some types of workplace discrimination illegal. If illegal discrimination occurs, workers may be able to file a workplace discrimination lawsuit. A worker does not need to currently have employment from a company to face qualifying discrimination. For instance, the company chose not to hire someone. If it’s because of a qualifying characteristic, the individual may become entitled to a claim.

Here are some of the most common types of discrimination that occur in the Connecticutwork environment:

  • Choosing not to hire someone because of their disability
  • Choosing not to promote someone because of their race
  • Excluding someone from a project because management says they’re too old
  • Making misogynistic comments about women
  • Deliberately paying men more than women because the boss values their work more

Should You File a Complaint With the HR Department or the EEOC?

Most Connecticut companies have a human resources department and discrimination in the workplace falls within their portfolio. For that reason, raising concerns with the appropriate HR representative may include filing a written report, a possible sit-down interview, and an investigation.

Sometimes a company does not have a human resources department and there are no policies in place. To resolve the issue, you might take your concerns directly to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They can assist you in investigating the claim and possibly filing a lawsuit.

Connecticut employees have the right to file a formal Charge of Discrimination with the Boston Area Office of the EEOC. The deadline for filing is 180 or 300 days, depending on the type of discrimination and whether state laws also apply. The EEOC typically recommends mediation as a first step. If that is unsuccessful, the EEOC will proceed with an investigation. If the agency finds evidence of discrimination, they have the authority to initiate litigation. However, the employer will often try to settle the case before it goes to court.

What Laws Protect Against Discrimination in the Workplace?

There are federal workplace discrimination laws that help to protect employees. On a federal level, Connecticut employees have protections from discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, many states have even stronger laws that offer additional protection.

Let’s take an example. California became the first state where ethnic hair and the right to wear it naturally became a right. In other states, employers may discriminate against natural hair because of racial discrimination. 

Connecticut has a long history of providing legal protection from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations for its residents. According to GLAD, Connecticut passed Public Act 91-58 in 1991, adding sexual orientation as a protected class from discrimination. As well, in 1978, Connecticut prohibited mandatory retirement based on age for private-sector employees.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

This specifically prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of race, religion, sex, color, or national origin. It typically applies to organizations with 15 or more employees. It also applies to schools (both public and private) and labor organizations. The EEOC’s primary responsibility is enforcing this law.

The State of Connecticut details the history and evolution of Connecticut’s civil rights laws. For example, in 1937, the State Merit System outlawed state employment discrimination because of color, political, or religious affiliation. In 1980, the Connecticut Legislatures passed a law specifically prohibiting sexual harassment. More recently, in 2011, Public Act 11-55 added gender identity or expression as a protected class for discrimination.

Other Notable Applicable Federal Discrimination Laws

Examples of State Workplace Discrimination Laws

  • California: The CROWN Act – Bans employers from discriminating against ethnic hair.
  • New York: Human Rights Law – Prohibits discrimination. It includes protections for ethnic hair, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protected characteristics
  • Washington: Washington State Law Against Discrimination – Makes discrimination illegal, including discrimination against people with disabilities who rely on service animals

What Is the Workplace Discrimination Process Like?

Filing a claim for workplace discrimination in Connecticut can be a tricky process given the number of potential laws in play. This is especially the case when the characteristics of the case under protections only qualify under state law. The EEOC enforces federal workplace discrimination laws. In some cases, individual state labor departments handle the claims that only qualify under state law.

Filing a Claim

When it comes to federal claims, workers have about 180 days to file, to remain within the statute of limitations. Time is of the essence with discrimination claims. It’s a good idea to hire a discrimination lawyer to help from the beginning.

Connecticut Claimants also need to provide some basic information about their claim. Depending on the agency, the employer’s name, the name(s) of involved parties, and a description of the incident. It will also include the contact information for everyone involved.

Once the investigation has begun, the agency may request more information. They generally give you ample time and opportunity to produce said information if this happens.

Investigating the Claim

The investigation may involve interviewing the Connecticut employee, employer, and other employees at the same place of business. However, it may also include anyone else who may have relevant information. The agency determines that the claim is valid and discrimination did, in fact, take place. The next step is generally to work for settlements or mediation. For this reason, both parties have an incentive to work out a compromise.

It may become necessary to file a lawsuit with the appropriate court. This is especially true if the parties cannot reach a settlement on the employee’s behalf. If this is the case, an attorney can issue a “Right To Sue” letter. This letter gives the employee facing discrimination the right to sue on their own accord.

A Connecticut complainant may request reconsideration of any complaint that the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) dismisses. The complainant must file the request within 15 days of the date that the CHRO sends notice of the dismissal. The CHRO then has 90 days to decide whether to reverse the dismissal. If the EEOC has your federal complaint, you must submit an appeal within 30 days of the final decision.

Work With an Experienced Workplace Discrimination Lawyer in Connecticut

Consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in discrimination in Connecticut as soon as the incident takes place. Experts often recommend that you resolve the issue internally through the proper HR channels. On the other hand, many employers mishandle these cases.

If you are considering a lawsuit, an attorney becomes even more necessary. Connecticut discrimination attorneys can help you with the paperwork, prepare you for depositions, and find corroborating witnesses to support your claim.

If the court rules in your favor, you might become entitled to several different compensatory benefits:

  • Back pay
  • Promotion
  • Reinstatement
  • Front pay
  • Reasonable accommodations
  • Payment of attorneys’ fees, court costs, and expert witness fees

Are you ready to find out if you are eligible for these benefits in Connecticut? Start with a case review. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Connecticut state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations. Contact Aaron at [email protected] for article suggestions, collaborations, or inquiries.

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