Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination in Cambridge is prohibited by the Human Rights Ordinance. In general, complaints of discrimination are brought for two reasons: 1. "Disparate treatment" - an employer treats an individual, who is a member of a protected class (i.e. race/color, national origin, age, etc.), differently than someone who is not in their protected class." 2. "Disparate impact" - a policy which on its face appears neutral, but actually negatively affects one protected class more than another group of individuals.

The Commission takes both informal and formal complaint. For informal complaints, the Commission will offer advice and make appropriate referrals. For formal complaints, the Commission will undertake a thorough investigation.

Complaints may be brought if individuals believe they were discriminated against in:

• Failure to hire
• Terms and conditions of employment, including:
  • Sexual Harassment
    • Quid Pro Quo: Conditioning employment or promotion on sexual favors, or
    • Hostile Work Environment: Continuous sexual advances and comments that create an uncomfortable and hostile workplace
• Termination
• Failure to promote
• Failure to provide reasonable accommodation to a disabled person despite the fact that it would not cause undue hardship to an employer
• Retaliation by an employer for actions protected by the anti-discrimination law