Discrimination Terms and Definitions

Job Related Essential to job performance. The knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience necessary to perform a particular job. Protected Class The groups protected from employment discrimination by law. These groups include men and women on the basis of sex; any group, which shares a common race, religion, color, or national origin; people over 40; and people with physical or mental disability. Color Discrimination Discrimination based on color occurs when individuals are treated less favorably than others who are similarly situated because of the color of their skin. Racial Discrimination Racial discrimination is present when people are treated differently than others who are similarly situated because they are members of a specific race. Underutilization To use less than fully; below potential use. This term is often applied to categories of employees who are working at jobs that do not make full use of their skills and abilities, although they may have been hired for those skills and abilities. National Origin Discrimination National origin discrimination has been broadly defined as including, but not limited to, the denial of equal employment opportunity because of an individual's or his/her ancestor's country of origin or because an individual has the physical, cultural, or Equal Employment Opportunity Providing equal opportunity in employment on the basis of merit and fitness without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability condition, marital status, sexual orientation, and political affiliation. Overt Discrimination Overt discrimination is a specific, observable action taken against a person or class of persons because of protected status, e.g., national origin. Labor Force / Labor Market Labor Force describes all civilians who are at least 16 years old and not in the military and employed or looking for work. The labor market is a group within the labor force whose members could fill a particular job. Minority The smaller part of a group. A group within a country or state that differs in race, religion or national origin from the dominant group.

Have you recently become a vicitm of discrimination in Wisconsin? Are you currently seeking legal information regarding Wisconsin discrimination laws? If so, contact one of our experienced Wisconsin discrimination lawyers today!

	Did You Know?
	Age discrimination is illegal The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.