Under Ohio law, discrimination in the workplace is prohibited by both state and federal law. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Ohio Revised Code all prohibit discrimination in employment based upon:
- race
- color
- religion
- gender
- national origin
- age
- disability
- military status
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission enforces discrimination claims brought under Ohio law. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against should file a claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission within 180 days of the discriminatory act.
The EEOC also enforces discrimination claims based on federal law, including:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits employment discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older
- The Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects disabled individuals from discrimination in the workplace
Employers with 15 or more employees are subject to the federal anti-discrimination laws, while employers with four or more employees are subject to Ohio anti-discrimination laws.
In addition, Ohio law also prohibits retaliation against employees who complain about discrimination or assist with the investigation of such claims.
It is important to note that there are potential limitations and exceptions to these laws, and employees should take steps to gather evidence of discrimination and seek legal advice from an experienced attorney promptly if they believe they have been unlawfully discriminated against.
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