The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has released in year-end report for 2016, which, in part, provides statistical data regarding the discrimination charges filed with the agency.
Here in Kentucky, there were 911 total charges filed, which consisted of 325 disability discrimination claims, 323 race claims, 273 sex (including sexual harassment) claims, and 233 age claims. Within the 911 total charges, nearly 41% — 371 of them — included a retaliation component.
Kentucky’s filings generally correspond with the national statistics. Across the country, 91,503 charges were filed, of which 35% included a race discrimination claim, 31% included a disability claim, 29% included a sex claim, and 23% included an age claim. Further, of the total charges, 46% included a retaliation claim.
Two statistics in particular stand out in this year’s report. The EEOC received 1,768 charges of sexual orientation discrimination, and it resolved 1,649 of them, either through the reconciliation process or litigation. Both figures are record highs, reports the National Law Journal (sub. req.). The EEOC, of course, has taken the position — contrary to the vast majority of federal courts — that sexual orientation discrimination is prohibited by Title VII. The recent trend, however, looks rosy for the LGBTQ community, as more and more federal courts are, upon a more thorough analysis, finding that sexual orientation discrimination is included in Title VII.
No matter how you look at it, these figures identify a lot of disgruntled if not mistreated employees.
If you’re an employee and you believe you’ve been harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against, we can help. The initial consultation is free and, if we accept your case, you won’t pay anything unless we obtain a recovery for you.
If you’re an employer and you want to learn about ways you can reduce the number of EEOC charges, or employment-related lawsuits generally, we can help. If you need someone to conduct training for your management team or workforce, or simply assist with state and federal compliance, we can help. Call us today.
