Discrimination: North Dakota

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Authors: Lynn Block and Joel Fremstad, Fremstad Law

Summary

• The North Dakota Department of Labor is the state agency responsible for enforcing the labor and employment laws found in Chapter 34 of the North Dakota Century Code and the North Dakota Human Rights Act at Chapter 14-02.4, although persons may seek redress in the courts as well. See North Dakota Human Rights Act.
• The North Dakota Human Rights Act protected categories are: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, status with respect to public assistance, and lawful non-work activity. See North Dakota Human Rights Act.
• Employers can be sued for discrimination in all phases of the employment process, from recruiting through termination. See Unlawful Employment Practices.
• Practically, every employer is covered, even those with only one employee. See Covered Employers - North Dakota Human Rights Act.
• Employment agencies and labor organizations can be liable for discriminatory practices. See Covered Employers - North Dakota Human Rights Act.