Which Private Sector Employers are Subject to Title VII?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Title VII covers most, but not all, employers in the private sector. Government employers are also subject to non-discrimination laws, but this post focuses on private sector employers.

For Title VII to apply to a private sector employer, first, the employer must have at least 15 employees (part-time or full-time). This means that if you work for a small business with 14 or fewer employees, you may not be protected under Title VII. Independent contractors are also not protected under Title VII.

Second, the employer must be in the United States. Alternatively, the employer can be a foreign company operating abroad, but the foreign company must be controlled by a U.S. parent company. Only U.S. citizen employees receive Title VII protections if the employment discrimination happened abroad and the employee was working for a foreign company controlled by a U.S. parent company.

Thickstun Luo LLC may be able to help you pursue a legal claim in Illinois or Indiana if you have experienced employment discrimination in violation of Title VII. Contact us today for a consultation.

LEGALESE is an online blog by Thickstun Luo LLC. The blog explains legal terms and concepts in plain English.

Disclaimer: The LEGALESE blog and the posts therein do not form an attorney-client relationship between you and Thickstun Luo LLC. Furthermore, this blog is not intended to render legal advice regarding your specific situation. You should consult an attorney for specific legal advice. Some content in LEGALESE blog posts pertain to state-specific legal rules and concepts that may not be applicable in every jurisdiction.