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What are the laws and regulations surrounding workplace discrimination in Ohio?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As a lawyer, I can provide advice on the laws and regulations surrounding workplace discrimination in Ohio. Ohio has numerous laws and regulations that employers must follow to prevent discrimination. Here are the most relevant laws and regulations in Ohio:

  1. Ohio Civil Rights Act: This act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or ancestry.
  2. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
  3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities and prohibits discrimination based on disability.
  4. Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): This federal law prohibits employment discrimination against individuals who are 40 years or older.
  5. Equal Pay Act (EPA): This federal law requires employers to pay men and women equal pay for equal work.
  6. Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA): This federal law prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

In Ohio, there is no state-level discrimination agency. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against must file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). The EEOC and OCRC have their own processes and procedures for investigating discrimination claims. Employees must file their claims with the appropriate agency within a certain number of days after the incident of discrimination occurred.

Employers who are found guilty of discrimination can face significant penalties, including monetary damages and legal fees. To avoid discrimination, employers should train their managers and employees on the laws and regulations surrounding discrimination and establish clear policies and procedures for addressing discrimination complaints.

In summary, Ohio has several laws and regulations in place to prevent workplace discrimination. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against can file a complaint with the EEOC or OCRC. Employers can face significant penalties for discrimination, so they should take steps to prevent discrimination in the workplace.