The Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment based on actual or perceived:
- Race or color
- Religion or creed
- Disability
- Sex
- Gender identity or expression
- Liability for military service
- National origin, nationality, or ancestry
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Marital or domestic partnership or civil union status
- Atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing)
The law means people cannot be treated differently, harassed, or otherwise discriminated against at work based on their membership in a protected class.
The law applies to all employers (including labor unions, apprenticeship and training programs, and employment agencies) and in all aspects of employment, including but not limited to:
- Recruitment and job postings
- Interviews and hiring decisions
- Promotion or transfer
- Termination or demotion
- Compensation, including salary and benefits
- All terms, conditions, or privileges of employment
- Membership in a union
Remedies may include money damages, an order to stop discrimination or harassment, adoption of new policies and procedures, attorney's fees, and more.
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, contact the Division on Civil Rights:
1.833.NJDCR4U
711 (Relay Service)
NJCivilRights.gov
#CivilRightsNJ
No one can retaliate against you for reporting LAD violations, filing a discrimination complaint, or exercising other rights under the LAD.