Weight and Height Discrimination: Legal in New Jersey
New Jersey stands out as one of the states in the United States where weight and height discrimination remains legally permissible. This unsettling reality implies that employers in the state can discriminate against job applicants or employees based on their weight or height without facing any legal consequences. However, there is a glimmer of hope for change on the horizon.
Proposed Law to Ban Weight and Height Discrimination
A bill has been introduced in the New Jersey Senate that would make it illegal for employers to discriminate against someone because of their body size or shape ². The proposed law would expand the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) to include height and weight as protected characteristics. If the bill is passed, New Jersey would become one of the few states in the US to protect employees from weight and height discrimination.
The Need for Protection Against Weight and Height Discrimination
Weight and height discrimination carries severe consequences for job applicants and employees alike, impacting their self-esteem, mental well-being, and overall job prospects. The negative repercussions extend to missed opportunities, reduced wages, and limited career advancements. Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize that weight and height are not always accurate indicators of a person’s health or fitness level. Therefore, safeguarding employees from discrimination based on these characteristics is deemed essential.
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Conclusion
Weight and height discrimination is still legal in New Jersey, but a proposed law may soon change that. If the bill is passed, New Jersey would join the few states in the US that protect employees from discrimination based on their weight and height. Discrimination based on these characteristics can have serious consequences for job applicants and employees, and it is important to protect them from such discrimination.
