Employment Discrimination in Indiana

Employment discrimination against protected characteristics is illegal in Indiana.

By , J.D.
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Updated on September 22, 2020

Federal and state law prohibit Indiana employers from discriminating against employees based on certain characteristics, such as race or religion. (To learn more, see our page on employment discrimination and harassment.)

What Are the Protected Classes in Indiana?

In all 50 states, federal law makes it illegal to discriminate based on:

  • race
  • color
  • national origin
  • religion
  • sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions)
  • sexual orientation
  • gender identity
  • disability
  • age (40 and older)
  • citizenship status, and
  • genetic information.

In addition, Indiana state law also prohibits discrimination based on:

  • ancestry
  • veteran status
  • off-duty tobacco use, and
  • sealed or expunged arrest or conviction record.
Several cities in the U.S. have their own laws protecting additional characteristics or extending protection to more employees. Contact your local government to learn more.

Which Employers Are Subject to Antidiscrimination Laws?

Federal antidiscrimination laws apply to Illinois employers with 15 or more employees, with the following exceptions:

  • age discrimination (employers with 20 or more employees)
  • citizenship status discrimination (employers with four or more employees), and
  • equal pay for men and women (all employers).

In Indiana, employers with six or more employees are subject to the state's antidiscrimination law, with the following exceptions:

  • age discrimination (all employers), and
  • disability discrimination (employers with 15 or more employees).

What Government Agency Regulates Workplace Discrimination in Indiana?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency that regulates workplace discrimination. You can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by calling 800-669-4000 or check out its website at www.eeoc.gov. The website will help you locate an EEOC field office in Indiana. (See our article on filing a discrimination claim with the EEOC.)

The Civil Rights Commission enforces state antidiscrimination law in Indiana. You can contact the Civil Rights Commission at 317-232-2600 or 800-628-2909 or go to its website.

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