Understanding Workplace Discrimination in Ohio: Know Your Rights

February 1, 2025

Understanding Workplace Discrimination in Ohio: Know Your Rights

Workplace discrimination is a serious issue that can negatively impact employees’ careers, mental well-being, and financial stability. Ohio workers are protected by both federal and state laws that prohibit discriminatory practices in employment. If you believe you have been treated unfairly due to a protected characteristic, understanding your rights is the first step in seeking justice.


What is Workplace Discrimination?


Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly based on protected characteristics rather than their qualifications or job performance. These characteristics include:


  • Race, color, or national origin
  • Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
  • Religion
  • Disability (physical or mental)
  • Age (40 and older)
  • Pregnancy
  • Military status or veteran status
  • Genetic information


Discrimination can take many forms, including wrongful termination, failure to promote, pay disparities, and hostile work environments.


Types of Workplace Discrimination


  1. Hiring and Firing Discrimination – Employers cannot refuse to hire or fire someone based on a protected characteristic. For example, refusing to hire a qualified candidate because of their race is unlawful.
  2. Wage and Promotion Discrimination – Employees must be given equal pay and promotion opportunities based on their qualifications, not their sex, age, or other protected factors.
  3. Harassment and Hostile Work Environment – If an employee faces repeated offensive remarks, bullying, or unwanted advances based on a protected characteristic, this can create a hostile work environment.
  4. Retaliation – Employers cannot retaliate against employees who report discrimination or participate in workplace investigations.
  5. Disability and Religious Accommodation – Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities or religious practices unless doing so would cause undue hardship.


Ohio Laws on Workplace Discrimination


In addition to federal protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Ohio’s Ohio Civil Rights Act (OCRA) further protects employees from workplace discrimination. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) enforces these laws, investigating claims of discrimination and taking legal action against employers who violate them.


What to Do If You Experience Workplace Discrimination


If you believe you have been discriminated against in your workplace, take the following steps:

  1. Document Everything – Keep records of discriminatory actions, emails, performance reviews, and witness statements.
  2. Report the Issue Internally – Many companies have HR policies for handling discrimination complaints.
  3. File a Complaint with the OCRC or EEOC – If internal reporting does not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
  4. Seek Legal Assistance – Consulting an attorney can help you understand your legal options and build a strong case for justice.


How Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP Can Help


At Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP, we are committed to protecting workers’ rights in Akron, Ohio. If you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, our skilled employment law attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, file claims, and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.

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