The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the prohibition of sex discrimination by forbidding any employment discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. According to the EEOC, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not explicitly mention sexual orientation or gender identity in its list of protected criteria. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not illegal. Our Virginia employment lawyers in Arlington will advocate for you regardless of legal gray areas.
If you feel as though you have been mistreated at work based on your gender, then you have the right to consult with a sex discrimination lawyer. Sex discrimination happens when an employer treats people unfairly based on the employees’ sex or gender. Sex discrimination not only happens to employees but to job applicants as well. This happens when employers view people through the lens of traditional stereotypes or what femininity or masculinity entails. In other situations, sex discrimination manifests itself when a colleague or someone in a superior position makes unwanted sexual advances and remarks.
The following are some simple examples of sexual discrimination you may face at the workplace.
Salary
Unfairness in salary is perhaps the biggest area of employment discrimination today. It continues to gain national attention, but the professional world is rife with inequality. An example would be if you were a female employee who has worked at a company for decades, and the company hires a male with similar experience but pays him more for the same job.
Medical Benefits
One of the most common examples of sexual discrimination in the workplace today involves medical benefits. In this scenario, you may see male co-workers being allowed to take an extended leave from debilitating condition or disease. It may also stem from surgery and rest. On the other hand, if a female employee is denied a vacation for pregnancy, then this is a form of sex discrimination.
Gender Roles
The third item on the list is gender stereotyping. Although it is declining with each new generation entering the workforce, it still exists and can be challenging to spot. In some industries, the more difficult jobs, which also pay better, tend to be given to males. The problem with this is that management assumes that a woman may not be capable of doing a particular job. Women will miss out on better pay and promotions with this kind of mindset.
Sex Discrimination Lawyers in Arlington, VA
The bottom line is that sex discrimination, no matter who is doing it, is a violation of employment law. If you feel like you have been discriminated against based on your gender, then it is time to talk to a lawyer. With offices Arlington, Virginia and the District of Columbia, HKM Employment Attorneys LLP has the knowledge and experience to take up your case. Contact our employment lawyers in Arlington County for a consultation and legal advice. Our law firm can help you decide if pursuing a claim is the right move.
