D.1. EEO Laws:

Brief descriptions of important Equal Employment Laws you may find helpful as you administer your council on Developmental Disabilities. Note: Follow State/Territory Employment Policies and procedures as applicable.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Title VII - Makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate in connection with employment of any individual on the basis of that individual's race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967- Makes it illegal to discriminate against anyone over the age of 40.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 - Prohibits discrimination between employees on the basis of sex by paying a rate less than the rate paid to employees of the opposite sex.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act - Requires an employer to treat pregnancy in the same manner as it treats any other temporary disability.

The Civil Rights Act of 1991 - Reverses several recent Supreme Court decisions and primarily affects technical court rules regarding employment discrimination litigation.  

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 - Makes it illegal to discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in connection with employment opportunities, the programs, services and activities provided by government entities, and access to public accommodations.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by programs receiving federal
funds or by federal agencies.

Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act - Applies to contractors who enter into contracts with the government, calling for payments in excess of $10,000.

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 - Requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family and medical reasons.

The Whistle Blower Protection Act of 1989 - Implements First Amendment free speech protection for government employees and employees of Federal contractors for disclosing illegalities, abuse of authority, gross waste, gross mismanagement or substantial danger to public health or safety.