What does Marital Status protected class status mean?
Marital status refers to the individual status as single, married, divorced, separated, widowed. Marital status in employment matters include protection against discrimination based on identity, situation, actions, or beliefs of a spouse or former spouse*.
Marital and familial status in the workplace refers to whether an employee is single, married, or whether that employee has children or not.
It is against University policy for an employer and/or individual to discriminate against an individual because of their marital or familial status. The Minnesota Human Rights Act also prohibits discrimination on marital or familial status. The Minnesota Human Rights Act is one of the strongest and most comprehensive** civil rights laws in the country. The law is enforced by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Not all states will have laws prohibiting discrimination based on marital and/or familial status as it is not protected under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.
*Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes 363A.03 Definitions Marital Status
**Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Department of Human Rights
Marital Status Discrimination
Conduct that is directed at an individual because of their marital status (protected class) and that subjects the individual to differential treatment so as to interfere with or limit the ability of the individual to participate in, or benefit from, the services, activities, or privileges.
Marital Status Harassment
Verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual because of their marital status (protected class), and that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile work or educational environment.
Target of Discrimination or Harassment
If you feel physically threatened, remove yourself from the situation and seek help immediately from University Security at 389-2111, or dial 911 for the Mankato Police Department. If the situation is not physically threatening, and you feel comfortable talking to the individual.
Can Discrimination or Harassment Happen to You?
Discrimination or harassment can occur in a variety of relationships, including faculty - student, supervisor - employee, student - student, employee - employee, and other relationships with persons having business with or visiting the campus.
Investigation of Discrimination and/or Harassment Complaints
Minnesota State Mankato is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and educational opportunity. Equal Opportunity & Title IX, under Board Policy 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education, assists students/employees.
Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation is prohibited by Minnesota State Mankato. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, intentionally engaging in any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment against an individual because that individual made a complaint under the 1B.1 Nondiscrimination Policy.
