CIVIL RIGHTS CLAIMS
Overview
The state and federal antidiscrimination statutes protect Michigan employees in both the public and private sector against workplace discrimination. All aspects of the employment relationship including hiring, training, demotion, promotion, discipline, compensation and discharge are protected. These statutes allow employees to bring private causes of action for a violation. Employees also have the right to pursue administrative remedies before the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Michigan's Elliott-Larsen civil rights act (ELCRA) prohibits discrimination based upon race, age, gender, religion, national origin, weight, and height, as well as marital status. Title VII of the civil rights act of 1967 (Title VII) prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. There are federal statutes which prohibit discrimination on the basis of physical disabilities including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).