No one should face discrimination based on their gender at work. Unfortunately, workplace sexual discrimination still occurs all too often in Colorado and throughout the United States. If you’ve experienced sex discrimination at work, you have the right to take legal action against your employer. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a quick guide to suing your employer for sex-based discrimination in Colorado.
What Is Sex Discrimination?
Sex discrimination is defined as any unfavorable behavior or treatment directed at an individual based on their gender. This type of discrimination can manifest in various forms:
- Paying female employees less than their male counterparts for the same job
- Denying promotions and bonuses to female employees
- Making derogatory comments based on a person’s gender
- Creating an uncomfortable workplace atmosphere with sexual innuendos or jokes
- Sexual harassment in any form, such as unwanted physical contact or advances
What Are Your Rights?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex. This means that your boss cannot treat you differently in terms of hiring, firing, promotions, or pay based solely on your gender. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including federal, state, and local governments.
In addition to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employees in Colorado are also protected under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA). One of the key features of the CADA is to provide a direct and swift means of seeking justice for victims of employment discrimination. If you feel you have been a victim of sex discrimination at your place of work, you have the right to file a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division.
How to Identify Sex Discrimination
The first step to take is to identify if you’ve actually experienced sex discrimination in the workplace. To do this, answer these questions:
- Do you feel your employer has treated you differently based on your gender?
- Has there been any verbal or physical harassment directed at you because of your gender?
- Has your employer created an environment that is hostile to a certain gender?
- Are you being paid less than your coworkers for the same job, regardless of their gender?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it’s possible that you are experiencing sex discrimination.
How to File an Employment Discrimination Claim in Colorado
Once you’ve identified that you are facing sex discrimination, it’s important to take action. The steps for filing an employment discrimination claim in Colorado are as follows:
- Contact the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) and file a complaint. You can contact them via their website or by phone at 303-894-2997.
- CCRD will then investigate your case, and if they find that you have a valid claim, they may decide to pursue legal action.
- You may also choose to file a lawsuit directly against your employer in civil court. This is known as a “private right of action,” and it gives you the power to sue your employer for damages.
It’s important to note that it’s best to get legal advice before filing a lawsuit. An experienced employment lawyer can help guide you through the process and provide valuable insights on how best to proceed with your case.
How To Protect Yourself From Future Sex Discrimination?
No one should have to go through the experience of workplace sex discrimination. However, if you’ve faced this type of discrimination in the past, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from future occurrences.
- Make sure all your interactions with your employer are documented. Keep accurate records of emails, memos, and other communications between you and your employer.
- Speak out against any instances of sex discrimination or harassment that you witness.
- Be sure to report any instances of discrimination or harassment directly to your employer and/or the human resources department.
- Take advantage of workplace protection programs such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD).
Contact a Colorado Employment Rights Lawyer Today
Sex discrimination in the workplace should never be tolerated. If you’ve experienced such treatment, remember that you have rights, and there are legal avenues available for redress. When in doubt, seek legal advice. An experienced employment lawyer can help guide you through the process and protect your rights.
If you believe that you have been a victim of sex-based discrimination in Colorado, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bourassa Law Group. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping employees stand up for their rights in the workplace and will work with you every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn more about how we can help you.
1-800-870-8910