The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA): Explained
Employment discrimination is a serious issue that affects many people in the workforce, and Minnesota is no exception. The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) is a state law that protects employees from discrimination in the workplace based on several factors, including race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and religion.
Under the MHRA, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on any of the legally-protected protected characteristics. Discrimination can take many forms, such as denying someone a job, demoting them, or firing them because of their protected status. It can also include harassment, such as unwanted sexual advances or racist jokes in the workplace.
Retaliation against an employee who files a discrimination complaint is also illegal under the MHRA. Employers cannot take any adverse action against an employee who has made a complaint, such as firing or demoting them, because they have exercised their legal rights.
The MHRA generally applies to all employers with one or more employees, regardless of the size of the business. This means that even small businesses with only a few employees are required to follow the law and cannot discriminate against employees based on their protected status.
In addition to the MHRA, there are federal laws that protect employees from discrimination, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, the MHRA offers broader protections than federal law in some areas, such as sexual orientation and marital status.
Employment discrimination is a serious issue that can have significant consequences for employees, including lost wages, emotional distress, and damage to their career prospects.
If you believe you have experienced discrimination at work, it is important to know your rights and take action to protect yourself. Contact experienced attorneys at Kitzer Rochel today.
