Legal Issues

Major Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Legislation Since 1963

Equal Pay Act of 1963 gives men and women the right to earn equal pay for doing substantially the same work. Employers found guilty of "willful" discrimination may have to pay double or triple damages.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 covers many subjects, including public accommodations and services. As amended in 1972, 1978, and 1991, this law prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, or national origin. Title VII specifically prohibits discrimination in employment and applies to all public and private employers with 15 or more employees, as well as to labor organizations and employment agencies.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects persons over 40 from discrimination on the basis of age in any terms or conditions of employment.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex against students and employees of education agencies and institutions receiving federal funds.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 503 of this Act covers most employers with federal contracts and subcontracts in excess of $2,500. It prohibits discrimination against any qualified employee or applicant because of a physical or mental disability, and requires federal contractors to take affirmative action. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 requires employers with federal contracts to take affirmative steps to employ and advance in employment qualified disabled veterans and Vietnam era veterans.

Age Discrimination Act of 1975 bars employers who receive federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of age. This law, unlike the ADEA, does not have a minimum age requirement.

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify that potential employees are not aliens unauthorized to work in the United States and prohibits an employer with four or more employees from discriminating against any individual in hiring or discharge because of national origin or citizenship status.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 provides a clear mandate to end discrimination, provide enforceable standards, and bring persons with disabilities into the social and economic mainstream. The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified people with disabilities in employment, public services, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

Civil Rights Act of 1991 amends various federal discrimination laws and overrules several interpretations of these laws previously made by the Supreme Court.