Feeling that you have been the victim of discrimination and proving it in court are two different things. If you believe you’ve been the victim of employment discrimination, you’ll benefit from knowing what constitutes a protected class and what kinds of behavior may constitute discrimination in Colorado. Being clear on definitions and knowing what legal action to pursue is crucial.
An employment law discrimination claim must be based upon evidence that a protected class was violated. Race and color are protected classes in this country. Also, protected classes cover gender and sexual orientation.
These are some of the most obvious ones, but there are others that are lesser known. Marital status is a protected class, meaning it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on whether he or she is married. Moreover, discrimination based on someone’s religious beliefs or practices is against the law.
Being a member of a protected class is not a reason in of itself to sue for employment discrimination. The discriminatory behavior said to have been perpetrated against a Colorado employee must directly relate to being a member of a protected class, such as being fired based on age and replaced by a younger worker. If the allegations are supported by appropriate evidence of wrongdoing, a court may direct the entry of a monetary judgment for financial damages sustained and could also order that the worker be reinstated to a former position, when applicable. Our website has more information about the classes protected by state and federal law and also what steps an employee may take to pursue the justice he or she deserves after being the victim of employment discrimination.
