Our Nebraska And Iowa Sex Discrimination Attorneys Can Help Protect Your Career

Both males and females are protected from sex discrimination in employment. Employers cannot treat you differently based on your gender, even if it is to make customers happy or to “protect” you. For decades, courts have recognized that employers often judge employees’ work performance differently based on stereotypes of how men or women “should” behave. We all have stereotypes, and they’re not illegal. However, it is illegal to restrict employees’ career opportunities because of gender.

Employees’ failure to conform to expected sex stereotypes is a common reason for discrimination. The manager involved may not even be consciously aware of his or her bias, but the negative effect on employees is the same.

If you know or suspect you’ve been a victim of employment discrimination on the basis of sex, contact our experienced attorneys at Fiedler Law Firm, P.L.C. Our women-owned practice is trusted and respected throughout Iowa and Nebraska for our attorneys’ knowledge and skills and their willingness to take cases to trial.

Examples Of Sexual Discrimination

Here are some examples that may be an indication you’ve experienced illegal sex discrimination at work:

• You are held to higher standards than employees of the opposite sex
• Your employer prefers members of one gender for particular jobs
• You receive lower pay or benefits than coworkers of the opposite sex even though you perform a job requiring similar skill, effort and responsibilities.

You may be hesitant to address the situation because you don’t want to “make waves.” But you do have rights that deserve protection, and the first step to correcting the problem is to speak up.

Common Sex Discrimination Scenarios And Related Attorney Analysis

The following are examples of sex discrimination scenarios posed by prospective clients or similar to those posed by former clients. After each, we have included attorney responses these clients would have received.

Scenario one: “I was told in my last performance evaluation that it would help my career if I wore makeup and paid more attention to making sure I looked fashionable. Do I have a case for sex discrimination?”
Attorney response: Maybe. Are you in a profession where this is important? Are men in your workplace expected to be similarly fashionable and groomed? We also need to consider whether this one review has long-term consequences for you, if there is other evidence, and what kind of damages you may have suffered.

Scenario two: My boss didn’t tell me about a promotional opportunity. He said it was because I have young children and he assumed I wouldn’t have liked the travel. The guy who was promoted just had twins! Is this sexual discrimination?”
Attorney response: Yes, this sounds like sexual discrimination. You should report this at work, and contact a lawyer.

Scenario three: “The regional manager has always hired men to be sales managers. When they go to out-of-town conferences, they end up drinking, telling dirty jokes, and even going to strip clubs. He said he wouldn’t promote me because I’d feel uncomfortable in that atmosphere. To be honest, he’s right. Do I have a case?”
Attorney response: This is sex discrimination. You can’t be denied a job on the basis that you’d likely be sexually harassed if you got it. Employers have a responsibility to provide a work environment that doesn’t make people feel uncomfortable because of their sex, race, or other protected characteristics.

What Federal Law Protects Employees Against Sex Discrimination?

One key federal law is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on their sex as well as other protected characteristics. Whether you’re applying for a job, seeking a promotion, or dealing with policies at your workplace, Title VII ensures you have the right to be treated fairly.

Is Sexual Harassment A Form Of Sex Discrimination?

Sexual harassment is considered a form of sex discrimination under federal law. The law covers such behaviors as unwelcome comments, unwanted touching and requests for sexual favors when they create a hostile work environment or when putting up with this behavior becomes a condition of your employment. Remember, you have the right to work in a place free from harassment and discrimination.

Contact Our Sex Discrimination Law Attorneys Today To Discuss Your Case

With offices in Johnston, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, Fiedler Law Firm serves clients throughout both states. To speak to one of our skilled and knowledgeable lawyers about your workplace rights, call our Johnston, Iowa office at 515-303-8210 or our Omaha, Nebraska office at 402-281-3501. You can also reach us using our online contact form.