Suffering discriminatory treatment due to factors such as race or age can be a harrowing experience under any circumstance, and there are laws in place to help protect against such unlawful treatment. However, sometimes acts of discrimination against workers might not stem from such factors, but rather on their association with another party. Associational discrimination is still unlawful and individuals in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area who encounter such treatment may face various challenges in life.
Discrimination by association
Associational discrimination is the situation where workers are discriminated or retaliated against due to their association with someone else who belongs to a protected class or has protested discrimination in the workplace. Workers could be subjected to such treatment simply due to their relationship with this party, whether this party is a family member, friend or a significant other. Studies indicate that those who discriminate or retaliate against others based on factors such as race, age, or a health condition may also extend this treatment to coworkers who support, or are related to, the primary victim.
Employers should protect against this behavior by providing all employees with adequate training on the types and consequences of discrimination, including the topic of associational discrimination. Unfortunately, discrimination and retaliation can still occur, and those exposed to any type of discrimination may need advice on how best to safeguard their rights and interests.
Subjected to discrimination
Discrimination at work can take on numerous forms and regardless of how it happens, the consequences of discrimination and retaliation could harm a person in multiple ways. Individuals in the Washington, D.C. metro area who suffer due to discrimination or retaliation may have questions about their legal rights and options. Fortunately, there are attorneys who can evaluate the situation a person is facing, help protect against such treatment, and assist in preparing to address the consequences.