Frequently Asked Questions About Discrimination

What is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, national origin and religion. It also is unlawful under the Act for an employer to take retaliatory action against any individual for opposing employment practices made unlawful by Title VII or for filing a discrimination charge or for testifying or assisting or participating in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under Title VII.

Have you recently become a vicitm of discrimination in Tennessee? Are you currently seeking legal information regarding Tennessee discrimination laws? If so, contact one of our experienced Tennessee discrimination lawyers today!

Who is responsible for enforcing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title VII against private employers and the Employment Litigation Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice enforces Title VII against state and local government employers. The EEOC is responsible for investigating individual charges of discrimination alleging a violation of Title VII.

What is Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the "ADA"), as amended, 42 U.S.C. §12111, et seq., prohibits discrimination in employment against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability.

What is the relationship between the EEOC and the U.S. Department of Justice?

If the EEOC, after investigating a charge of discrimination determines that there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of the law has occurred, the EEOC will then refer the charge to the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice will either initiate litigation on the charge or issue a notice of right to sue to the charging party, which entitles the charging party to file his or her own lawsuit in court.

Is there a time limit involved with respect to filing a charge of discrimination with the EEOC under Title VII?

Yes. Title VII imposes time limits for the filing of charges of discrimination. In most instances, a charge must be filed within 300 days of the act of discrimination. In some states the charge must be filed within 180 days of the act of discrimination.

Can the Department of Justice provide legal assistance to private citizens?

No. The Department of Justice is not authorized to provide legal assistance to private citizens or to represent them. Individuals should hire a discrimination lawyer of their choice to represent them.

What is the Age Discrimination In Employment Act?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of age with respect to individuals who are 40 years of age or older.

What is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Have you recently become a vicitm of discrimination in Tennessee? Are you currently seeking legal information regarding Tennessee discrimination laws? If so, contact one of our experienced Tennessee discrimination attorneys today!

	Did You Know?
	The law requires equal pay for equal work The Equal Pay Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the payment of wages or benefits, where men and women perform work of similar skill, effort, and responsibility for the same employer under similar working conditions.