Discrimination law is a critical shield, safeguarding individuals from unfair treatment based on specific, protected characteristics. Discrimination undermines the fundamental promise of equal opportunity, whether it occurs in the workplace, when seeking housing, in educational institutions, or while accessing public accommodations. At 1818, our experienced legal team aggressively represents individuals who have experienced discrimination and provides effective legal solutions.
Key Areas Where Discrimination Occurs:
Discrimination can be found in all aspects of our daily life. Recognizing the primary settings where discrimination happens is the first step in identifying and addressing potential claims.
Employment Discrimination
Workplace discrimination often involves unfair treatment during the hiring process, promotions, job assignments, compensation, and termination based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, or other legally recognized traits.
Employers frequently discriminate by failing to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, limiting their ability to perform essential job functions.
Housing Discrimination
All Chicagoans deserve access to safe and fair housing. Housing discrimination occurs when individuals face barriers while trying to rent or purchase a home. Common targets include individuals based on race, national origin, familial status, or disability. Examples include landlords refusing to rent to families with children, denying housing to an individual based on their race or national origin, or rejecting reasonable modifications to tenants with disabilities.
Public Accommodation Discrimination
Businesses and public spaces must provide equal access and service to everyone. Public accommodation discrimination occurs when individuals face denial of services or unequal treatment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected traits. Examples include restaurants refusing service to customers based on their race, retail stores denying access to individuals using wheelchairs, or theaters limiting access to wheelchair users. Denying entry to someone accompanied by a service animal also constitutes discrimination.
Groups Most Affected by Discrimination
Although discrimination can impact anyone, some groups face disproportionate targeting across various sectors. Understanding the challenges is crucial.
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities: These groups frequently face systemic discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations.
- Women: Gender discrimination remains prevalent, particularly in the workplace, through pay gaps, career advancement (the “glass ceiling”), and pregnancy-related discrimination.
- LGBTQ+ Individuals: Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity continues to restrict access to employment, housing, healthcare, and public services.
- Individuals with Disabilities: Although legal protections such as the Americans with Disabilities Act exist, people with disabilities, especially those using wheelchairs or other assistive devices, often face obstacles in employment, public access, housing, and education.
- Older Adults: Age discrimination frequently limits employment opportunities and access to certain services for older individuals.
Individuals may simultaneously experience discrimination based on multiple protected characteristics, a concept known as intersectionality.
Protect Your Rights and Talk to a Lawyer if you believe you are the subject of Discrimination
Discrimination law continues to evolve to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all individuals. At 1818, we dedicate ourselves to assisting those who experience discrimination and fighting for their rights. If you believe you have faced discriminatory treatment in employment, housing, education, or public accommodation, contact our experienced legal team today for guidance and dedicated representation. Your rights matter, and we are here to help you protect them.
