Employment Discrimination in Michigan

Federal and state law prohibit Michigan 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 Michigan?

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, Michigan state law also prohibits discrimination based on:

• marital status
• AIDS/HIV status
• height or weight, and
• misdemeanor arrest record.

Which Michigan Employers Are Subject to the Antidiscrimination Laws?

Federal antidiscrimination laws apply to Michigan 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 Michigan, companies with one or more employees are subject to the state's antidiscrimination law.

What Government Agency Regulates Workplace Discrimination in Michigan?

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 Michigan.

The Department of Civil Rights enforces state antidiscrimination law in Michigan. You can contact the Department of Civil Rights at 313-456-3700 or go to its website.

For more information on employment discrimination, see The Manager's Legal Handbook, by attorneys Lisa Guerin and Amy DelPo (Nolo).