1. Chapter 43: Discrimination Part IV May 17, 2007

2. Bellringer Why is discrimination still such a problem today?

3. Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Discrimination based on sexual orientation is another in a long list of discriminatory practices This forces many individuals to conceal their orientation in the workplace to avoid hostility, firing or sometimes in the case of some jobs, deliberate injury.

4. Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Many businesses, cities, counties and states now provide protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation. But sometimes this discrimination is concealed under other discriminatory practices. Some states now allow for domestic partnerships which allow an employee’s heterosexual or homosexual live-in partner the same employment and health benefits a spouse would receive.

5. Discrimination Based on Disability About 1 in 5 Americans have some sort of disability (mental, physical). 1 in 10 has a severe disability. A person is considered disabled if they have difficulty performing certain basic functions (seeing, hearing, talking, walking) or has regular difficulty performing basic activities of daily life. Early Legislation: Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibited discrimination by the federal government, federal contractors, and recipients of federal financial assistance.

6. Discrimination Based on Disability The Americans with Disabilities Act: Passed in 1990. Extended protection to disabled persons working in private businesses, public accommodations, services provided by state and local governments, transportation, and telecommunications. Does not cover every specific disease although persons with HIV/AIDS are covered, alcoholics who are in treatment are covered and rehabilitated drug users or users in treatment are covered.

7. Housing Discrimination You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, orientation or origin when applying to rent an apartment or buy a house. You also cannot be discriminated against due to a disability.

8. State and Local Laws Against Discrimination Courts determine the minimum protection that is required, but many businesses, cities, counties, and states provide greater protection than what is required. The list is large in terms of what is protected: Age, marital status, personal appearance, source of income, sexual orientation, family responsibility (having children), physical handicap, matriculation (status of being a student), political affiliation