Florida Federal Discrimination Attorney
We Represent Federal Employees in Florida Who Are Victims of Discrimination
You are entitled to a workplace free of discrimination as a federal employee. Several federal laws protect U.S. government employees, and these laws apply to all aspects of employment. From hiring and promotion to discipline and termination, federal employees are entitled to protection every step of the way. They are also entitled to protection on a day-to-day basis.
Unfortunately, just like private employers, federal employers don’t always follow the law. In fact, discrimination in federal employment is relatively common. If you are a federal employee in Florida and believe you are a victim of discrimination, we can help, and we encourage you to contact us immediately to discuss your case.
Types of Discrimination in Federal Employment
Federal laws prohibit employers from treating employees differently based on certain protected characteristics. For example, all of the following are prohibited under federal law:
Age Discrimination
Federal employers in Florida cannot discriminate against employees (or job candidates) based on age. Specifically, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits discrimination against individuals who are 40 years old or older based on their age.
Disability Discrimination
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act prohibit federal employers from discriminating against employees and job candidates based on their disabilities. Therefore, federal employers generally cannot deny employment opportunities to individuals based on their disabilities, and they must provide reasonable accommodations to employees who need them as a result of being disabled.
Pregnancy Discrimination
Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, federal employers in Florida are prohibited from making employment-related decisions based on an employee’s or job candidate’s pregnancy or childbirth. Violations of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act will often also involve violations of other laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as well.
Race Discrimination
Discrimination based on race is flatly prohibited under federal law. Federal employers may not make any employment-related decisions based on an employee’s or job candidate’s race, ethnicity or skin color.
Religious Discrimination
Religious discrimination is also prohibited in the federal employment sector. Along with prohibiting employment-related decisions based on employees’ and job candidates’ stated religious affiliations and preferences, federal law also requires U.S. government employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees who request them correctly.
Sex and Gender Discrimination
Discrimination based on sex and gender is also flatly prohibited under federal law. Just like private companies, the federal government is prohibited from denying employment opportunities to qualified individuals based on their sex or gender. Federal employers must provide a workplace free from harassment and other forms of mistreatment.
Forms of Discrimination in Federal Employment
Just as there are many types of workplace discrimination, discrimination in the federal employment sector can also take many different forms. For example, we regularly represent individuals who have experienced:
- Denial of Job Opportunities – Denying employment, raises, advancement, relocation and other job opportunities are all common forms of discrimination in federal employment.
- Hostile Work Environment – Federal employers must take appropriate steps to ensure that inappropriate emails, text messages, verbal communications and physical contact do not create a hostile work environment.
- Sexual Harassment – Sexual harassment is considered a form of sex discrimination under federal law. This includes all forms of physical and non-physical harassment based on an employee’s sex or gender.
- Workplace Bullying – Bullying in the workplace can create a hostile and potentially dangerous environment, and it is prohibited under federal law.
- Wrongful Discipline and Termination – Wrongful discipline and termination are also common forms of discrimination based on race, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, religion and other protected characteristics.
Protecting the Rights of Federal Employees in Florida
We protect the rights of federal employees in Florida. If you feel that you are a victim of discrimination in the workplace, attorney Jay Stafford and his team can assess your situation and determine if you have a claim against the government. If you do, We can take appropriate legal action on your behalf and pursue all available remedies. Depending on your circumstances, these remedies may include placement or reinstatement, promotion, back pay and benefits, or other forms of financial compensation.
We represent U.S. government employees across Florida who work for all federal agencies. We can represent you remotely and get to work protecting you immediately if necessary.
FAQs: Understanding Your Options As a Victim of Workplace Discrimination in U.S. Government Employment
How Do I File a Discrimination Claim As a Federal Employee in Florida?
Federal employees in Florida have two main options for filing a discrimination claim. The first option is to utilize the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) complaint process for federal employees. The second option is to file a lawsuit in federal court. Our team can help you evaluate your options and choose the best path forward.
What Constitutes a “Hostile Work Environment” in a Federal Workplace?
Federal law protects employees against “conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.” If you are subjected to discriminatory treatment of any form on a regular basis, you should speak with a Florida federal discrimination attorney about your legal rights.
How Can I Prove that I Am a Victim of Federal Employment Discrimination?
There are various ways to prove discrimination in the workplace. However, federal employees need to be careful, as taking or making copies of government records can subject federal employees to discipline in some cases. If you think you may have a claim, we encourage you to contact us promptly so that we can guide you forward and help protect your federal employment.
Speak with a Florida Federal Discrimination Attorney in Confidence
If you would like to speak with a Florida federal discrimination attorney, please contact us to arrange a confidential initial consultation. To schedule an appointment at your convenience, please call 410-514-6099 or tell us how we can reach you online today.