Discrimination Is Illegal

Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices fosters the employment of all individuals in this state in accordance with their fullest capacities, regardless of their race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age or country of ancestral origin, and safeguards their right to obtain and hold employment without such discrimination.

RI General Law 28-5-7 makes it an an unlawful employment practice to discriminate in any aspect of employment including:

  • Recruiting, Hiring and firing
  • Refusing reasonable accommodation
  • Compensation, assignment, or classification of employees
  • Transfer, promotion, layoff, or recall
  • Training and apprenticeship programs
  • Pay, retirement plans, Fringe benefits or disability leave
  • Other terms and conditions of employment

Illegal discriminatory practices include:

  • Harrassment on the basis of race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age or country of ancestral origin
  • Retaliation against an individual for filing a complaint of discrimination, participating in an investigation or hearing or opposing discriminatory practices
  • Denying employment opportunities to a person because of marriage to, or association with, an individual of a particular race, religion, national origin, or an individual with a disability. Title VII also prohibits discrimination because of participation in schools or places of worship associated with a particular racial, ethnic, or religious group
  • Asking certain pre-employment questions on interviews or applications

If you feel that you have been discriminated against, please file a charge with the RI Human Rights Commission or file out a complaint form with the Office of Diversity, Equity & Opportunity.

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