North Carolina
Overview
Please review the information below as well as the information on the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity page and then return to the workplace harassment prevention course tab.
Harassment and discrimination based on a protected characteristic are prohibited under both federal and state law. The federal government and most state governments have agencies that help employers and employees understand these legal requirements and ensure compliance with the laws.
Protected Characteristics
Harassment or discrimination based on any protected characteristic set forth below is prohibited under state law in North Carolina.
North Carolina
-
race
-
color
-
national origin
-
sex
- age
- disability
-
genetic testing and information
-
religion
- possession of sickle cell or hemoglobin C trait
-
HIV or AIDS status
-
lawful use of lawful products
- jury service
-
National Guard service
Applicable Laws
North Carolina
The North Carolina Equal Employment Practice Act establishes public policy against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Additionally:
-
The North Carolina Persons with Disabilities Protection Act prohibits discrimination based on disability.
-
Discrimination based on genetic information is prohibited by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-28.1 and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-28.1A.
-
Discrimination based on status as a victim of domestic violence seeking relief is prohibited by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50B-5.5.
Filing a Claim in North Carolina
An employment discrimination or harassment claim may be filed with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, Civil Rights Division, and/or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, depending on the employer’s size and the protected characteristic on which the claim is based. More information on federal law prohibiting employment discrimination and harassment is available on the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity page.
Retaliation Prohibited
Employer retaliation against an employee who files a discrimination or harassment complaint or is involved in the complaint process is unlawful.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only.
It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.