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Understanding the Legal Definition of a Protected Group Member
Definition & Meaning
A protected group member is a person who belongs to a category that is safeguarded under equal employment laws. These laws prohibit discrimination and harassment based on various characteristics, including sex, race, age, disability, color, creed, national origin, and religion. Additionally, some employer policies extend protections to include factors like sexual orientation and marital status. Discrimination can occur based on multiple protected statuses simultaneously, such as religion and national origin in cases of anti-Semitism or sex and marital status in cases involving pregnant individuals.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The term "protected group member" is commonly used in civil law, particularly in employment law. It pertains to individuals who are shielded from unfair treatment in the workplace due to their membership in specific groups. Legal practices often involve filing complaints or lawsuits related to discrimination or harassment. Users can manage some aspects of these processes themselves using legal templates from US Legal Forms, which are designed by qualified attorneys.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A woman is denied a promotion solely because she is pregnant. This situation may involve discrimination based on both sex and marital status.
Example 2: An employee faces harassment at work due to their religious beliefs, which could be classified under both religion and national origin protections. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
Major federal laws that protect group members include:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967: Protects individuals aged 40 and older from discrimination based on age.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
State-by-state differences
State
Additional Protections
California
Includes protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
New York
Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status.
Illinois
Offers protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and military status.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Protected Class
A group of people protected from discrimination under the law.
Discrimination
Unfair treatment of individuals based on protected characteristics.
Harassment
Unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics that creates a hostile work environment.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe you are a protected group member facing discrimination or harassment, consider the following steps:
Document the incidents, including dates, times, and details of what occurred.
Review your employer's policies on discrimination and harassment.
Consider filing a complaint with your employer or a relevant government agency.
Explore legal forms and templates available through US Legal Forms to assist in your case.
If the situation is complex, seek advice from a legal professional to understand your rights and options.
Find the legal form that fits your case
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