The Law Protects Iowa Employees Who Complain About Discrimination
Employees may find themselves in the difficult position of needing to report discrimination in their workplace, but fearing that they will lose their job or otherwise be retaliated against for reporting discrimination. Title VII, the federal anti-discrimination statute, and the Iowa Civil Rights Act both prohibit certain types of retaliation. Employers are not permitted to terminate, demote, harass or otherwise discriminate against an employee because the employee complains about conduct the employee reasonable believes is discriminatory.
Conduct that may be protected from retaliation by the employer includes:
- Complaining about discrimination towards you or another employee;
- Threatening to file a charge of discrimination;
- Filing a charge of discrimination with the EEOC or Iowa Civil Rights Commission;
- Picketing or protesting conduct believed to be discriminatory; and
- Cooperating with an investigation by the EEOC or Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
If you believe you have been discriminated against in retaliation for opposing discrimination, you should contact an attorney to discuss whether you have a claim under Title VII or the Iowa Civil Rights Act.
