Frequently Asked Questions

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We often receive similar questions from small business owners: Do the laws that the EEOC enforces apply to my business? How can I prevent discrimination? If I receive a charge of discrimination, what should I do? This section provides answers to these - and other - frequently asked questions.

1. Do the federal employment discrimination laws apply to my business?
   • Who is an "employee" under federal employment discrimination laws?
     
2. What are my responsibilities under federal employment discrimination laws?
3. Who is protected from employment discrimination?
   • Who is an "employee" under federal employment discrimination laws?
   • Employee rights
4. What can't I ask when hiring?
   • What shouldn't I ask when hiring?
     
5. How can I prevent harassment?
6. What should I do if an applicant or employee asks for breaks, leave or other changes to a work situation because of his medical condition or his religious beliefs?
7. How can I avoid breaking the law when I discipline or fire an employee?
8. What is retaliation and how can I prevent it?
9. What should I do if I receive an EEOC charge of discrimination?
10. How can the EEOC's mediation program help me resolve a charge of discrimination?

Have a question that's not listed here? Review the rest of our small business web pages or contact us for assistance.

See also:

Small Business Assistance