Introduction to Employment Discrimination Law Principles

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the legal framework of employment discrimination in the United States, under key legislation such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Through the examination of relevant statutes, regulations, and major judicial opinions, students will examine ways that real world employment practices may constitute unlawful discrimination, how claims are proven and defended against in a court of law and before administrative agencies, and how they can be avoided in the first place. The course will address concepts of intentional and non-intentional discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and age, including but not limited to hostile work environment, retaliation, and reasonable accommodations. By the end of the course, students will have a clear understanding of the legal obligations imposed by anti-discrimination laws and be equipped to critically assess issues of equity in the workplace and areas of potential legal exposure.