Protected Classes
Several new bills addressing discrimination, language in job advertisements and more will affect employers in California beginning in January 2025.
The EEOC has published new guidance on anti-Arab, anti-Middle Eastern, anti-Muslim, and antisemitic discrimination in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Following an active legislative session in Colorado, employers in the Centennial State will soon have a range of new compliance obligations to manage in areas including age discrimination, harassment and nondisclosure agreements.
Texas and Arkansas have become the latest two states to adopt CROWN Acts - laws that prohibit discrimination based on hairstyles often associated with race such as Afros, locks and braids.
The New York City Council has passed an ordinance adding height and weight to the list of characteristics protected from employment discrimination.
Effective March 26, 2023, Ordinance 126767 adds caste to the list of protected classes under Seattle's municipal code.
A new California law will outlaw discrimination based on a person's reproductive health decisions and expand requirements for contraceptive and family planning coverage for group health plans.
News: HR guidance on how to develop and implement policies to prevent and respond to discrimination claims against protected classes and ensure an equal opportunity workplace.