Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
The city of Jackson, like the rest of the United States, is governed by the principles of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws, which protect employees from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. Employers in Jackson are also required to abide by Mississippi state law, which further prohibits discrimination practices in employment. It is against the law to treat employees unfairly during hiring, firing, transfer, promotion, job training, wages, benefits, and any other terms or conditions of employment due to their membership in a protected class.
As a victim of job discrimination, you should consider seeking legal representation to help with several issues. This includes understanding your rights and options, gathering evidence, filing a complaint with the appropriate government department, and filing a lawsuit if necessary. A lawyer can also provide representation if you are wrongly accused of job discrimination. In complex situations, even understanding whether you have been illegally discriminated against can be challenging, and legal expertise can be crucial.
Jackson adheres to both federal and Mississippi state employment discrimination laws. The state law, called the Mississippi Employment Fairness Act, expands the protected classes to include military status. It's also essential to note that Mississippi employers with 15 or more employees are generally covered by these laws. Mississippi hasn't passed a state law prohibiting employment discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation or gender identity, which is a key difference from federal law.
Job discrimination includes unfair treatment or harassment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. It also covers unfair practices related to hiring, firing, promotions, job training, wages, and benefits due to protected class membership.
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, it's essential to report these incidents to your supervisor or human resources department. Keep a record of all incidents and any communication. Contact a lawyer, or file a charge with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, assist with filing a complaint with the appropriate agency, and potentially file a lawsuit. They can also negotiate on your behalf and represent your best interests.
No, it's illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting job discrimination, participating in an investigation or lawsuit about job discrimination, or for opposing job discrimination.
No, Mississippi state law does not extend protection to these groups. However, the federal law does.
For more information about your rights and the laws regarding job discrimination, you can check the website of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Mississippi Department of Employment Security, or the local Jackson Human Rights Commission. You might also find helpful legal information on sites like FindLaw or LegalZoom.
If you believe you've been a victim of job discrimination, consider consulting with a local employment lawyer. Gather and document all relevant information, including times, dates, locations, and participants. You can also consult with your union if you belong to one. Your next step might be to file a complaint with the local EEOC office or the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
