Discrimination is an all too common problem. Despite federal and state regulations to protect individuals against discrimination, it can, and still does, occur. Understanding the different types of discrimination and who regulates each one in Pennsylvania can help you navigate your individual case, in the event you are discriminated against.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is responsible for enforcing discrimination laws in the state of Pennsylvania. PHRC covers many areas of discrimination including:

Employment

Employment discrimination includes any discrimination when hiring or promoting employees of an organization. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulates employment laws and prohibits employment discrimination based on things like race, color, sex, age, ancestry, origin, religion, and disability.

This includes things like:

Failing to hire a specific candidate based on their age
Choosing a different employee for a promotion because of the other’s religion
Firing an employee after learning they have a disability
Demoting an employee based on their religious beliefs
Employment discrimination is not reserved to current employees. It also covers the hiring process and job advertising.

Housing

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act covers housing discrimination. It ensures that all individuals have a right to fair housing, regardless of their sex, age, religion, race, origin, or familial status. Pennsylvania also includes the Limited English Proficiency (LEP), which requires the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to assist individuals whose first language is not English in obtaining fair housing.

Housing discrimination might include:

A real estate agent not showing buyers certain homes because of their race
A landlord not renting to a tenant because of their age
A tenant being evicted because of their religious beliefs
A landlord not renting to an individual with a mental disability

Housing discrimination includes both buying and renting properties.

Education

Education discrimination includes the discrimination of individuals that affects their right to a fair education. Pennsylvania has made it illegal to discriminate against potential or current students, based on their age, gender, religion, race, or origin. Education laws also protect students with disabilities.

A few examples include:

A teacher offering two students different resource based solely on their gender
A teacher grading two students differently based on their race
A college choosing students based on their race or religion
An administration denying scholarships to certain individuals based on their race or gender

Educational discrimination is regulated by th Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission regional office.

Commercial Property

Commercial property discrimination includes the discrimination of any individual when renting a commercial property based on protected factors like age, sex, religion, or familial status.

A few examples include:

Failing to rent to an interested business owner based on their race
Charging a business owner more than another based on their gender
Denying a commercial rental application based on a disability
Running a newspaper ad for a specific gender or race

Commercial property laws in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Of course, there are other types of discrimination, including judicial and legal discriminations.

Contact a Feasterville Workplace Discrimination Lawyer to Discuss Your Case

Discrimination should never occur in the workplace. Although Pennsylvania laws are supposed to protect you against discrimination, it can feel overwhelming as you attempt to navigate the system. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable discrimination lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the claims process. The experienced discrimination attorneys at Begelman & Orlow, P.C. represent clients in Feasterville and all throughout Pennsylvania. Call (856) 547-7400 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a consultation about your discrimination case. Our main office is located at 411 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 and we also have an office in Feasterville, Pennsylvania.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.