workplace discrimination

Senate Bill 72, which would ensure that all Coloradans have protection against workplace discrimination, passed the Senate on a party-line vote today. Elena Fairley, a public policy fellow at the Bell, presented an Opportunity Note to senators and wrote the following summary of the issue.

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Workplace discrimination is against the law. But in Colorado, not all people have access to legal recourse when the law is broken.

Appendix that accompanied Opportunity Note on Senate Bill 11-072.

This bill represents a net opportunity gain for Colorado. It would enable more victims of discrimination and harassment in the workplace to seek redress through the court system, which would protect workers from unfair discriminatory practices. This would contribute to lower employee turnover, better work environments and greater productivity.

Summary of Legislation

By Rebecca Kurz
University of Denver MSW fellow, 2009-2010

Background

Workers in Colorado can use state and federal laws in seeking remedies for discrimination, but there are differences and gaps in the law that can make it diffucult or impossibe for some workers to seek justice.

March 1, 2010

The Honorable Clair Levy
Chair, House Judiciary Committee
State Capitol
Denver, Colorado 80203

Dear Representative Levy:

I am writing to express the support of the Bell Policy Center for H.B. 10-1269, "Concerning the creation of remedies available in employment discrimination cases." This legislation will expand remedies available under Colorado's anti-discrimination laws and protect more Coloradans from discrimination and harassment in the workplace.