Title VII

Title VII is the cornerstone federal anti-discrimination statute. It prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating against employees and applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The statute covers all aspects of employment including hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, and terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. Title VII addresses both disparate treatment (intentional discrimination) and disparate impact (facially neutral policies that disproportionately affect a protected group). It also prohibits sexual harassment, including quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment, as well as retaliation against individuals who oppose unlawful practices or participate in proceedings under the statute.