On May 23, 20007, the EEOC took an important step toward ending employment discrimination against family caregivers by issuing enforcement guidance that will educate employers and employees about caregivers’ rights and responsibilities.

The Guidance advises that discrimination can take the form of different treatment of men and women with young children, such as selecting fathers but not mothers for a training program. It also advises that discrimination can take the form of stereotyping, such as giving less desirable assignments to mothers on the assumption that they are not as committed to their jobs. Examples of common scenarios for discrimination are provided throughout. The Guidance can be viewed on the EEOC’s website.

Family Responsibilities Discrimination (FRD) is discrimination against employees because of their family caregiving responsibilities.

FRD is also called “caregiver discrimination.” You can read the EEOC’s Enforcement Guidance on caregiver discrimination on the EEOC web site.

WorkLife Law’s FRD Fact Sheet provides an overview of the types of situations that commonly lead to FRD claims.

While most FRD plaintiffs are women, men are increasingly facing FRD in the workplace as they care for their families. You can read about men and FRD here.

Have questions about FRD? Check out WorkLife Law’s Frequently Asked Questions. If you need more information, send your questions to info@worklifelaw.org.