Employment Discrimination - Chapter 16

Vocabulary and key concepts from Chapter 16 of the Meiners Legal Environment of Business (14th Edition) regarding employment discrimination law, protected classes, and statutory defenses.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

A major legislative act that established protected classes including race, color, national origin, and religion to prevent employment discrimination.

Equal Pay Act of 1963

One of the historical origins of discrimination law focused on pay equality.

Protected Classes

The specific groups protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which include race, color, national origin, and religion.

Bostock v. Clayton County

A significant case study related to the legal interpretation of employment discrimination law.

Harris v. Forklift Systems

A case study activity used to explore discrimination law and workplace environments.

Right to Sue Letter

A letter issued by the EEO following the categorization of a complaint and fact-finding process, allowing an individual to pursue a discrimination lawsuit.

Disparate Treatment

A form of discrimination that occurs when an individual is treated differently than others based on a protected characteristic.

Disparate Impact

A form of discrimination where an employer's practices or policies have a disproportionately negative effect on a protected class, even if the policy appears neutral.

Burlington Industries v. Ellerth

A case study involving legal standards for employer liability in discrimination and harassment cases.

EEOC v. Dial Corp.

A case study activity focused on Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforcement and business practices.

Business Necessity

A statutory defense under Title VII where an employer justifies a practice that might otherwise be discriminatory as being essential to the business.

Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ)

A statutory defense under Title VII that allows for discrimination if a specific characteristic is reasonably necessary to the normal operation of a particular business.

Executive Order 11246

The legal basis and authority for Affirmative Action programs.

Reasonable Accommodations

Adjustments or modifications provided by an employer to enable a person with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.

Keith v. County of Oakland

A case study activity specifically focused on disability discrimination under the law.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Illegal Drug Exclusion

A rule stating that individuals presently using illegal drugs cannot bring a claim under the ADA, even if they have a history of addiction.