The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued guidance highlighting how Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may apply to situations involving applicants and employees who experience domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The guidance provides several examples of employment decisions based on an applicant's or employee's experience with such conduct that may violate Title VII or the ADA. The examples include situations involving stereotypes based on sex or mental illness and caution employers about avoiding disparate treatment, harassment, and retaliation based upon sex or an actual or perceived disability. The guidance serves as an important reminder for employers to ensure that human resources and management personnel are sensitive to these issues.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
