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OHR Releases Materials for Unemployed Anti-Discrimination Act

Monday, November 30, 2015
Newly enforceable law prohibits discrimination based on status as unemployed

CONTACT: Elliot Imse, Director of Policy and Communications – 202.481.3773; [email protected]

OHR Releases Materials for Unemployed Anti-Discrimination Act

Law prohibits discrimination based on status as unemployed

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR) today released materials and announced outreach efforts for the Unemployed Anti-Discrimination Act (UADA), which OHR is now enforcing. UADA prohibits employers from refusing to consider or hire a job applicant because the individual is unemployed, and restricts advertising job vacancies that indicate an unemployed person would not be considered. OHR can accept complaints of alleged violations that occurred on or after the enforceable date of October 1, 2015.

“The Unemployed Anti-Discrimination Act provides a real opportunity for individuals to be considered for jobs because of their skills and qualifications, without unreasonable attention paid to their current employment status,” said OHR Director Mónica Palacio. “This law is important for those struggling to find work, but can also be helpful for women reentering the workplace after having a child, recently released returning citizens, and others who have been unemployed.”

To assist employers and applicants in understanding the law and its implications, OHR released a fact sheet and will conduct a series of presentations, the first being held for businesses on December 10. Although employers may examine and consider the underlying reasons for an applicant being unemployed, employers may not refuse to hire the applicant because of their status as unemployed. If an applicant files a complaint with OHR and a violation is found, financial penalties may be imposed on employers and awarded to the complainant.

To register (required) for the optional UADA training session for businesses on Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 9:30am – 11:30am at 441 4th Street NW, visit unemploymentantidiscriminationact.eventbrite.com. For more information and resources about the Unemployed Anti-Discrimination Act of 2012, please visit ohr.dc.gov/page/unemployed.

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About the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights

The District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR) was established to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity and protect human rights for persons who live in or visit the District of Columbia. The agency enforces local and federal human rights laws, including the DC Human Rights Act, by providing a legal process to those who believe they have been discriminated against. OHR also proactively enforces human rights in the District through Director’s Inquiries, which allow it to identify and investigate practices and policies that may be discriminatory.

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