Discrimination is illegal under both federal law and New Jersey state law, but unfortunately it is still prevalent in many workplaces and other arenas. According to a recent report from New Jersey’s Division of Civil Rights, more than $2 million was paid in settlements to victims of discrimination in New Jersey last year alone.

The discrimination cases involved a variety of incidents. In one case, a Hudson County teachers’ aid who used a wheelchair accused the school district of refusing to provide a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In another case, a female employee claimed that her employer, a fitness club, failed to protect her from sexual harassment.

Some other cases that took place last year did not involve employment, as discrimination is also illegal in housing, public facilities, and public accommodations–such as hotels and restaurants, for example.

One case that took place in Bergan County involved an interracial couple who were denied the opportunity to rent an apartment reportedly due to the landlord’s prejudices.

In addition to the financial compensation that victims of discrimination received in 2012, many of the related settlements also required the employer or discriminatory party to become trained on the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination as well as meet other requirements to be sure to comply with the law in the future.

Those who have been discriminated against in employment, as well as in other arenas, can hold their employers or the discriminatory party accountable under the law. This often results in compensation for damages, but there may be risks associated with pursuing a discrimination claim and it is thus wise to seek legal counsel.

Source: NorthJersey.com, “Lodi couple among those to pay settlements for discrimination complaints,” Monsy Alvarado, Feb.7, 2013