Affirmative Action in the Workplace (For Employers)

Federal laws make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. Many states and localities have similar laws which provide additional, sometimes overlapping, protections. Some employers, as a result of doing business with the federal government, doing business as a subcontractor with a government contractor, or as a recipient of federal funding, have additional obligations to engage in affirmative action to recruit and hire women, minorities, protected veterans, and qualified persons with disabilities. Many state and local governments also have affirmative action laws which are similar to federal requirements. These laws may apply to companies not covered under the federal law. This course outlines essential features of affirmative action requirements for federal contractors. This course also describes Affirmative Ac