Workplace Discrimination by Association

19 Nov Workplace Discrimination by Association

Many people spend a large part of their lives in their workplace. Hence, workplace discrimination can have a tremendous, negative impact on their lives.

To address workplace discrimination, the first step is to identify it. There are some types of workplace discrimination that people are not always able to immediately recognize. One such type of workplace discrimination is discrimination by association.

Discrimination by Association

This form of workplace discrimination is not always recognizable because of its indirect nature. Your employer can’t discriminate against you just because you are friends with, defend or a family member of a person who is a member of a legally protected class. For example, it is unlawful for your employer to discriminate against you just because your spouse follows a particular religion.

This remains a form of discrimination even if you are not in the same protected class as the person or group the discriminating employer is targeting. For example, a male coworker may be a victim of discrimination by association for standing up for a female coworker who was harassed at work.

Signs of Discrimination by Association

Inappropriate comments or “jokes” are the most common form of workplace discrimination. However, as awareness against harassment and discrimination is on the rise, many offenders may try to mask their discriminatory behavior. Such discriminatory behavior may include intentionally excluding an individual, spreading rumors, and minimizing that employee’s workload.

Resolution

As with any other workplace discrimination case, report the incident to human resources or management. To prove your claim, maintain a record of all incidents of discrimination that you have experienced. If your employer does not address the issue properly, you may seek an attorney and pursue a court claim.

To learn more, consult one of the top workplace harassment, and wage and hour attorneys in San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA at Chahbazi Law PLLC or call 602-282-5868 Now! Attorney Meenoo Chahbazi uses her extensive experience and passion for employment equality to represent Arizona employees in a wide range of employment matters.