Gender discrimination, also known as sex discrimination, occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly because of their sex. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, promotions, job assignments, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Title VII also prohibits workplace policies that appear neutral but have a negative or “disparate” impact on employees of a particular sex. 

Sex discrimination can take many forms including unequal pay, denial of advancement opportunities and more.

Harassment Is Unacceptable

Title VII also protects employees from harassment based on sex. Harassment may include offensive comments, unwelcome conduct, or a hostile work environment. The individual engaging in the harassment can be a supervisor, a coworker, or even a non-employee such as a client or customer. 

Before filing a lawsuit under federal law, an employee must first file a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or an appropriate state or local agency. Due to strict statutes of limitations, it is significant for employees to act quickly because  missing a deadline can affect the ability to pursue a claim. Additionally, each case is determined by the EEOC on a case-by-case basis by reviewing all of the circumstances involved.

How We Can Help

Individuals who believe they have been subjected to gender discrimination should speak with an attorney experienced in employment law as soon as possible to discuss their specific circumstances.

Learn more about sex discrimination on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.