Workplace Discrimination in New Jersey: Recognizing Unlawful Treatment on the Job
Workplace Discrimination in New Jersey: Recognizing Unlawful Treatment on the Job
Every employee deserves equal treatment and opportunity in the workplace. When employment decisions are influenced by protected characteristics rather than performance or qualifications, the law provides remedies. Understanding what constitutes unlawful discrimination is the first step toward protecting your rights.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC focuses exclusively on employment law and represents employees across New Jersey in discrimination matters. The firm provides strategic, informed advocacy grounded in a deep understanding of state and federal protections.
Protected Characteristics Under New Jersey Law
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits workplace discrimination based on numerous protected categories, including:
- Race and color
- Gender and pregnancy
- Sexual orientation and gender identity
- Religion
- National origin
- Age
- Disability
- Marital status
- Military service
These protections apply to virtually every aspect of employment, including hiring, promotions, compensation, discipline, and termination.
Forms of Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination may take many forms. It can be overt, such as explicit comments or unequal pay, or more subtle, such as inconsistent enforcement of workplace policies or exclusion from opportunities.
Examples may include:
- Failing to promote a qualified employee due to a protected characteristic
- Unequal disciplinary measures for similar conduct
- Harassment tied to protected status
- Termination shortly after disclosure of a protected condition
In some cases, discriminatory practices may emerge during layoffs or restructuring efforts.
Proving a Discrimination Claim
Successful discrimination claims often require evidence showing that an employee suffered adverse action and that the action was connected to a protected characteristic. Comparator evidence, documentation, and patterns of behavior may all play a role.
Castronovo & McKinney evaluates each matter thoroughly, reviewing employment records, communications, and company policies to determine whether legal standards are met.
Retaliation and Harassment
Employees who report discrimination are protected from retaliation. Adverse treatment following a complaint may constitute a separate legal violation.
Additionally, discriminatory harassment that becomes severe or pervasive can create a hostile work environment under state law.
Available Remedies
Employees who prevail in discrimination claims may recover back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, attorneys’ fees, and in some cases additional statutory relief. Courts may also order reinstatement or require policy changes.
Each case requires strategic analysis and careful preparation.
Additional Information on Workplace Discrimination
For further guidance regarding discrimination claims and your legal rights, review this resource: New Jersey Workplace Discrimination Lawyers.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973-920-7888
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The firm represents employees and employers throughout New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, and Morris County, as well as communities such as Hackensack, Newark, New Brunswick, and Morristown.