We all hope that someday we will live in a world without discrimination. Sadly, that’s simply not the case at present. Discrimination still takes place – in the workplace, in the community, and more. If you are concerned about discrimination, or think that you have been the victim of discrimination in Connecticut, you probably want to learn more. This page will give you the information that you need regarding what discrimination is, and what you can do about it.
What is Discrimination?
Discrimination in Connecticut involves treating someone or some group differently because of who they are or because they possess distinguishing characteristics. When someone is motivated by discrimination, they treat certain individuals or groups differently than others.
We all enjoy equal protection under the law. To enforce this, there are powerful anti-discrimination laws designed to place you back on equal footing when you are discriminated against, to change harmful discriminatory conditions, and to compensate for any harm that you have suffered.
Here are some groups that have been discriminated against:
- Race, national origin, ancestry or color.
- Age.
- Religion.
- Gender.
- Disabled – physical, mental, learning, or intellectual.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding.
- Marital status.
Members of these minority groups share common characteristics that have been the basis for discrimination by the majority. Members of these classes enjoy protection against discrimination under both federal and Connecticut’s state laws.
Connecticut’s laws also protect against discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression and sexual orientation.
Types of Discrimination
There are four everyday situations where discrimination takes place:
- Employment – Discrimination can take place in the workplace, and includes adverse decisions by an employer to hire, promote, fire, recruiting, training, wages and benefits, or terms and conditions.
- Housing – Discriminatory intent can affect your ability to rent an apartment or to buy a home for your family. It also often takes the form of misrepresentations as to available housing or even discriminatory advertising.
- Public Access – Discriminatory motives can impact your ability to receive equal service at any place or business that opens its doors to the public, such as a restaurant, hotel or store.
- Credit Transactions – Discrimination can affect your ability to obtain personal or business loans, a mortgage, or credit.
Getting Help
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in the state of Connecticut, you need a civil rights attorney in your corner. A civil rights lawyer can help you get justice. We would love to be the team of attorneys that fights for you. Give us a call at 203-925-9200 for more information.