Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against its employees on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin and religion.

This law applies to employers with 15 or more employees including federal, state and local governments. While Title VII did not originally include pregnancy discrimination when passed in 1964, in 1978 the United States Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act as an Amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Pregnancy discrimination is also included under Title VII. Title 4112 is Ohio’s version of Title VII.

If an individual feels that a company is treating them differently because of their sex, race, color, national origin, religion or pregnancy our office can help. Employees often call or visit our office to inquire about how to protect themselves or their jobs, if they have not already been lost, when they feel they are being treated differently.   We will review the process associated with a discrimination complaint including the different procedures which arise under Federal law and state law.   For example, if an individual wants to make a Title VII discrimination claim, a Complaint must be first filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, if an individual wants to make claim under Ohio’s discrimination law and seek redress through the state Courts, no preliminary complaint need be filed with any administrative agency.

Every case is different. There is no one ‘right’ answer.   However, our office will help you find the best way to protect your rights as an employee if you feel you have been treated differently as a result of your sex, race, color, national origin, religion or pregnancy.