Discrimination in Public Accommodations

Discrimination in Public Accommodations is expressly illegal under federal and state law in New York and New Jersey. Despite that, it remains an unfortunate reality that many individuals are forced to contend with based on their protected characteristics. The skilled and seasoned discrimination in public accommodations team at Brustein Law is committed to combating these egregious human rights violations, ensuring everyone has equal access and ability to enjoy public accommodations. If you or a loved one have faced discrimination in public accommodation in New York or New Jersey, trust Brustein Law to help you see justice. You tell the truth, and we’ll handle the rest.

What is Discrimination in Public Accommodations? 

Public accommodations refer to places, facilities, and services that are open to the public, including hotels, restaurants, theaters, transportation services, recreational facilities, and more. Discrimination in public accommodations occurs when individuals are treated unfairly or denied access to these places, facilities, and services based on a protected characteristic.

Legal Protections Against Discrimination in Public Accommodations

These legal safeguards against discrimination in public accommodations have been set forth across multiple legal frameworks on the federal, state, and local level. These include:

  • Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act: Title VII is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin in public accommodations.
    The New York State Human Rights Law: Expanding on the protections under Title VII, the New York State Human Rights law prohibits discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of age, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, sex, prior arrest or conviction record, and sexual orientation.

  • The New York City Human Rights Law: Expanding even further on the protections established in Title VII and the New York State Human Rights law, the New York City Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of Immigration or citizenship status, unemployment status, credit history, and caregiver status.

  • The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination: Just as its New York counterpart, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination provides similar protections against discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of a wide range of characteristics.
    Each of these laws also sets forth avenues for redress when discrimination occurs.

Am I Protected from Discrimination in Public Accommodations?

There are specific characteristics known as “protected classes” or “protected characteristics” that are inherently illegal to discriminate against in public accommodations in New York and New Jersey. This includes discrimination on the basis of:

  • Race

  • Color

  • Creed

  • Sincerely held practice of religion

  • Disability

  • National origin

  • Sexual orientation

  • Gender identity or expression

  • Military status

  • Predisposing genetic characteristics

  • Sex

  • Age

  • Marital status

  • Status as a victim of domestic violence

  • Arrest record or conviction record

In New York City, these protections have been expanded, making it illegal to discriminate against individuals in public accommodations based on:

Immigration or citizenship status

  • Employment status

  • Credit history

  • Caregiver status

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one have experienced discrimination in public accommodations in New York or New Jersey. In that case, it’s essential to reach out to an experienced New York and New Jersey human rights lawyer promptly, as these claims come with a statute of limitations. The professional team at Brustein Law can help you explore your options and will guide you through the process of seeking justice. Remedies can include financial compensation, injunctive relief, and similar measures to hold any discriminatory parties accountable.

Contact Brustein Law today for a free and confidential consultation. We are staunchly and unwaveringly committed to safeguarding our clients’ unequivocal right to enjoy public accommodations free from discriminatory practices. Our mission is to empower victims of discrimination to speak up, be heard, and see justice for the harm they have suffered. You have a voice, and Brustein Law is here every step of the way. Let us bring credibility to your truth.