St. Louis Gender & Sex Discrimination Lawyer
Seeking Fair & Equal Treatment for Employees in St. Louis
At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we are dedicated to standing up for the rights of employees who have experienced gender and sex discrimination in the workplace. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, our experienced attorneys are passionate about pursuing justice for victims of discrimination. If you believe you have been treated unfairly because of your gender or sex, our team is here to provide the legal support you need.
Contact us today at (314) 819-0963 to discuss your legal options with our team.
What is Gender Discrimination?
Gender discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfairly or unequally in their workplace based on their gender or sex. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including hiring decisions, promotions, pay disparities, or even termination. Gender discrimination also encompasses unfair treatment related to pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Under both federal and state laws, it is illegal for employers to make employment decisions or create a work environment that disadvantages an individual because of their gender. Despite these legal protections, gender discrimination remains a pervasive issue in many workplaces across St. Louis and the United States.
Examples of Workplace Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination can take many forms, some of which are overt and others that may be more subtle. Here are some common examples:
- Unequal Pay: Paying employees different salaries for the same role based on their gender.
- Hiring Bias: Refusing to hire someone because of their gender or gender identity.
- Promotion Disparities: Overlooking qualified candidates for promotions due to their gender.
- Hostile Work Environment: Allowing or ignoring sexist comments, jokes, or behaviors in the workplace.
- Pregnancy Discrimination: Treating employees unfairly because they are pregnant or have recently given birth.
- Exclusion: Denying opportunities, assignments, or participation in projects to employees based on their gender.
- Retaliation: Taking adverse action against employees who report gender discrimination or participate in related investigations.
State & Federal Gender Discrimination Protections
Employees in Missouri are protected from gender discrimination under both federal and state laws. These laws are designed to ensure equal treatment in the workplace and provide avenues for victims to seek recourse.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, wages, and termination.
- Equal Pay Act of 1963: This law requires employers to provide equal pay to men and women who perform the same job under similar working conditions.
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act: An amendment to Title VII, this act prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
- Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA): At the state level, the MHRA protects employees in Missouri from discrimination based on gender, sex, and other protected characteristics.
Understanding these laws and how they apply to your situation can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our attorneys are well-versed in both federal and state discrimination laws and will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are upheld.
Ready to Protect Your Rights & Best Interests Now
At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we understand the emotional and professional toll gender discrimination can take on victims. Our St. Louis gender discrimination attorneys are committed to providing compassionate, effective legal representation to help you fight for justice.
When you choose our firm, we will:
- Listen to Your Story: We’ll take the time to understand your experiences and gather the necessary details to build a strong case.
- Evaluate Your Case: We’ll assess the facts of your situation to determine whether your rights have been violated under state or federal law.
- Pursue Legal Action: If discrimination has occurred, we’ll guide you through the process of filing a claim, negotiating settlements, or pursuing litigation if necessary.
- Advocate for Your Rights: Our team will be by your side every step of the way, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Our goal is to hold employers accountable for discriminatory practices and help you achieve the justice you deserve.
Call (314) 819-0963 or contact us online today for more information about our experienced legal team.
- We advise you about whether you have a case and how strong it is.
- We help you negotiate for severance or a better severance package.
- We file charges for you with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- We prosecute your case in state and federal court for a just result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.