Understanding Employment Discrimination in Rhode Island: Your Rights & Legal Protections

In Rhode Island, employees are protected against workplace discrimination under both federal and state laws. Whether you are applying for a job, currently employed, or facing termination, it’s important to know your rights and the legal options available if you experience employment discrimination.

This blog will cover what employment discrimination is, the laws that protect workers, examples of discrimination, and steps you can take if you believe you’ve been discriminated against.

What Is Employment Discrimination?

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly based on protected characteristics, rather than their skills, qualifications, or job performance. This type of discrimination can impact hiring, promotions, job assignments, wages, and termination.

Employment Discrimination Laws in Rhode Island

Employees in Rhode Island are protected by both federal and state laws that prohibit workplace discrimination.

Federal Laws

✔️ Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

✔️ The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Protects individuals with disabilities from workplace discrimination.

✔️ The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – Protects workers 40 years and older from discrimination.

✔️ The Equal Pay Act – Requires men and women to receive equal pay for equal work.

Rhode Island State Laws

✔️ Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) – Expands federal protections, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and military status.

✔️ Rhode Island Civil Rights Act – Ensures equal employment opportunities and allows employees to sue for discrimination.

✔️ Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodation Act – Protects pregnant employees by requiring reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

Examples of Workplace Discrimination

Employment discrimination can take many forms, including:

🔹 Hiring & Promotion Bias – Denying job opportunities or promotions based on protected characteristics rather than qualifications.

🔹 Unequal Pay – Paying employees less based on gender, race, or another protected status.

🔹 Harassment – Offensive jokes, slurs, or unwanted advances that create a hostile work environment.

🔹 Retaliation – Punishing an employee for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.

🔹 Wrongful Termination – Firing an employee due to race, gender, age, disability, or other protected factors.

🔹 Disability Discrimination – Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities.

What to Do If You Experience Workplace Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against at work, taking action is crucial. Here’s what you should do:

✅ Document Everything – Keep emails, text messages, performance reviews, and any other evidence that supports your claim.

✅ Report the Discrimination Internally – Follow your company’s HR procedures for reporting discrimination.

✅ File a Complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (RICHR) – If internal efforts fail, you can file a formal complaint with RICHR, which investigates workplace discrimination claims.

✅ Consider Legal Action – If necessary, consult an employment law attorney to explore your legal rights and potential claims.

How Harrison Law Associates Can Help

At Harrison Law Associates, we understand how stressful and damaging workplace discrimination can be. Our experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights, fight for justice, and ensure you receive fair treatment in the workplace.

📞 Need legal advice? Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.

📍 Call us: 401-467-2000

You don’t have to face workplace discrimination alone—we’re here to help.