The provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 make it illegal for most employers to engage in the following:
1. Discrimination or segregation in all terms of employment based on race, color, religion, gender or ethnicity. (Please note that several state and local laws have expanded these protected classes to include sexual orientation, marital status and weight.)
2. Classifying employees based on their protected class with the intent to prevent that class from employment opportunities or career progressions. For example, Title VII would protect an employee from being denied a promotion based on being of the Muslim religious faith.
3. Discriminating against any employee because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
4. Not providing equal opportunity to participate in training programs which offer opportunities for advancement.
5. Sexual harassment and harassment based on the other protected categories (race, religion, etc.). Tip: Employers should develop a policy prohibiting any form of harassment and should include an internal complaint procedure.
6. Discrimination in compensation practices. Tip: Always base compensation on seniority, merit or performance and ensure that systems are in place that measure the quality and/or quality of work.

Read more by visiting our blog: Antidiscrimination in the workplace: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act