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Arizona Workplace Discrimination Laws: Your Rights Under ACRA

Quick Answer: The Arizona Civil Rights Act (ACRA) prohibits employment discrimination at employers with 15+ employees. Protected characteristics include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), and disability. File complaints with the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division (ACRD) within 180 days. EEOC claims extend to 300 days with worksharing.

Arizona provides state-level discrimination protections through ACRA.

Arizona Discrimination Protections

Arizona Civil Rights Act (ACRA)

Prohibits discrimination based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex (including pregnancy)
  • National origin
  • Age (40 and older)
  • Disability
  • Genetic information

Coverage

ACRA applies to:

  • 15+ employee employers
  • State and local governments
  • Employment agencies
  • Labor organizations

Federal Title VII

Also provides:

  • Similar protections
  • 15+ employees
  • 300-day deadline with worksharing

Protected Characteristics

Race and Color

Protected from:

  • Hiring discrimination
  • Termination based on race
  • Harassment
  • Disparate treatment

Sex and Gender

Includes:

  • Sex discrimination
  • Pregnancy discrimination
  • Sexual harassment
  • Gender stereotyping

Religion

Protections:

  • Religious beliefs
  • Religious practices
  • Reasonable accommodation
  • No religious requirements

Age (40+)

Protected:

  • Workers 40 and older
  • Hiring age discrimination
  • Termination based on age
  • Age harassment

Disability

Covers:

  • Physical disabilities
  • Mental disabilities
  • Reasonable accommodation
  • Medical conditions

National Origin

Includes:

  • Country of origin
  • Ancestry
  • Accent/language
  • Ethnic characteristics

Types of Discrimination

Disparate Treatment

Direct discrimination:

  • Intentional different treatment
  • Based on protected class
  • Less favorable outcomes

Disparate Impact

Indirect discrimination:

  • Neutral policy
  • Disproportionate effect
  • Not job-related

Harassment

Prohibited:

  • Hostile work environment
  • Quid pro quo
  • Severe or pervasive conduct

Retaliation

Cannot punish for:

  • Filing complaint
  • Participating in investigation
  • Opposing discrimination

Filing Complaints

ACRD (State)

Arizona Attorney General – Civil Rights Division:

  • Phone: 602-542-5263
  • Phoenix location
  • Deadline: 180 days
  • Workshares with EEOC

EEOC (Federal)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:

  • Phone: 1-800-669-4000
  • Phoenix: 602-640-5000
  • Deadline: 300 days with worksharing

Dual Filing

Benefits:

  • File with ACRD
  • Automatically dual-filed with EEOC
  • Preserves both options
  • Maximizes protections

Proving Discrimination

Direct Evidence

Shows intent:

  • Discriminatory statements
  • Written bias
  • Stated preferences

Circumstantial Evidence

Patterns include:

  • Different treatment
  • Statistical disparities
  • Pretextual reasons
  • Timing of decisions

Elements

Must show:

  • Protected class member
  • Qualified for position
  • Adverse action
  • Discrimination was factor

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Race Discrimination

Situation: Passed over for promotion, less qualified white colleague promoted.

Analysis: May be disparate treatment. Document qualifications and comparators.

Scenario 2: Sexual Harassment

Situation: Supervisor makes unwanted advances.

Analysis: Report to HR. File ACRD complaint if not resolved.

Scenario 3: Disability Accommodation Denied

Situation: Requested accommodation, employer refused.

Analysis: Must provide reasonable accommodation unless undue hardship.

Scenario 4: Age-Based Layoff

Situation: Mostly older workers laid off.

Analysis: Pattern may show age discrimination. Note ages of affected workers.

Scenario 5: Pregnancy Discrimination

Situation: Job offer rescinded after disclosing pregnancy.

Analysis: Protected under ACRA. File complaint promptly.

Remedies Available

ACRD Relief

May obtain:

  • Back pay
  • Reinstatement
  • Compensatory damages
  • Policy changes

Court Damages

May recover:

  • Lost wages
  • Compensatory damages
  • Punitive damages
  • Attorney’s fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ACRA?

Arizona Civil Rights Act – state law prohibiting employment discrimination.

What employers are covered?

Employers with 15 or more employees.

How long do I have to file?

180 days with ACRD, 300 days with EEOC (with worksharing).

Can I file with both agencies?

Yes. Filing with ACRD is dual-filed with EEOC.

What damages can I recover?

Back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.

Related Topics

Take Action

If facing workplace discrimination:

  1. Document all incidents
  2. Report through proper channels
  3. Note 180-day ACRD deadline
  4. Preserve evidence
  5. Consult employment attorney

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about workplace discrimination in Arizona and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed Arizona employment attorney.

For official information: