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What are the laws in Ohio regarding discrimination in the workplace?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

In Ohio, discrimination in the workplace is prohibited under a number of different state and federal laws. These include:

  • Ohio Revised Code § 4112.02, which prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or ancestry. This law applies to employers with four or more employees.

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This law applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of age against individuals who are over 40 years old. This law applies to employers with 20 or more employees.

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of disability, and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. This law applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

If an employer is found to have engaged in discrimination, they may be subject to a range of legal remedies, including back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees.

There are a number of potential limitations and exceptions to the laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace. For example, certain religious and non-profit organizations may be exempt from certain provisions of these laws. Additionally, some employment practices that have a disproportionate impact on certain groups may be permissible if they are shown to be job-related and necessary for the business.

If you believe that you have been the victim of discrimination in the workplace, it is important to document any instances of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. You may also wish to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). It may also be advisable to consult with an experienced employment law attorney to discuss your legal options.