What kinds of employment actions or practices are prohibited?
Unfair or unfavorable treatment due to membership in a legally protected category (race, color, religion, sex -- including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy -- national origin, age, disability, health status, or genetic information) is prohibited. It is also illegal to retaliate against a person because he or she complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.
Discrimination is prohibited in any aspect of employment, including:
- Job advertisements, recruitment, and hiring
- Applications, interviews, and background checks
- Training, apprenticeships, referrals and assignments
- Promotion, performance management, discipline, and discharge
- Pay, benefits, and other terms of employment
- Requests for reasonable accommodations
The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides detailed descriptions and examples of prohibited practices in each aspect of employment. Read more about prohibited employment practices.
Vermont’s Fair Employment Practices Act also specifically prohibits asking about salary history during pre-employment interviews.