Every workplace in New Jersey should provide equal opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees. Unfortunately, illegal discrimination still persists in many companies across the state. If you suspect that you have been subjected to workplace discrimination, the Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi is here to help. Our New Jersey employment law attorney will assess your case and determine if you have grounds for a legal claim. Below, we explore the different forms of workplace discrimination.
Protected Classes Under New Jersey Law
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on:
- Sex
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Gender identity or expression
- Sexual orientation
- Race or color
- Religion or creed
- National origin or ancestry
- Age
- Genetic information, including refusal to take a genetic test
- Atypical hereditary cellular or blood traits
Examples of Discriminatory Employment Practices
Discrimination can occur in many aspects of employment, including:
- Hiring & Promotion – Denying job opportunities based on a protected characteristic.
- Termination & Layoffs – Firing or laying off employees for discriminatory reasons.
- Job Assignments & Training – Unequal distribution of responsibilities and training opportunities.
- Compensation & Benefits – Paying employees unfairly based on race, gender, or other factors.
For example, if an employer refuses to promote a worker because she is a woman, Black, Muslim, or disabled, this constitutes unlawful discrimination.
Harassment as a Form of Workplace Discrimination
Harassment is a form of discrimination when it is based on protected characteristics and creates a hostile work environment. While many people associate harassment with sexual misconduct, it can also stem from race, religion, disability, or other protected classes. A single inappropriate comment may not qualify, but repeated offensive behavior can violate employment laws. If you feel you are being harassed, our firm can evaluate your case.
Failure to Provide Reasonable Accommodations
Employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations that enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Examples include:
- Modifying workspaces (e.g., ergonomic chairs, adaptive keyboards)
- Granting schedule adjustments (e.g., medical leave for treatments)
- Providing assistive technology
However, an employer can deny a request if it imposes an undue hardship on the business or fundamentally alters the job. Similarly, religious accommodations must be honored unless they are excessively difficult or costly.
Speak with a New Jersey Workplace Discrimination Lawyer
Our firm is committed to fighting workplace discrimination and ensuring all employees receive fair treatment. If you have experienced harassment, wrongful termination, or a denied accommodation, contact The Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi today. Our employment discrimination attorney will evaluate your case and help you take legal action. Call us at 973-866-9415 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.
