Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids employers with 15 or more employees to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national origin. The law applies to federal, state and local employers. While not covered under Title VII, employers with less than 15 employees may be covered by state or local anti-discrimination statutes. Employers may not use the above conditions as a basis for refusing to hire an otherwise qualified applicant, for terminating employment of an individual, or to otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his/her compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. It is also illegal to limit, segregate or classify employees or applicants in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive them of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect their status as employees. However there are certain exceptions permitted under this act.