An Overview of the New York State and City Human Rights Law (Update)

In 1945, two decades before Congress adopted the 1964 Civil Rights Act, New York State adopted the first state anti-discrimination law in America. In 1975, New York City adopted its own anti-discrimination law, now widely regarded as the broadest anti-discrimination statute in the United States. Navigating the complex interplay between these two vital laws against competing federal obligations, continues to challenge advocates, employers, employees and the courts.

In this program, Robinson & Cole civil rights and employment law partner Matthew Miklave provides a comprehensive overview of these two statutes, exploring the similarities and differences between them. The program will explore the laws' definitions of protected classes, the availability of remedies, time limitations on bringing actions, elements of claims and substantive and procedural defenses. Mr. Miklave will also focus on recent amendments extending protections to interns, expanding protections for the disabled, victims of domestic violence, and those experiencing complications from pregnancy and childbirth. After watching this program, attorneys will be better prepared to counsel their clients on the implications of these laws for workers, interns, applicants and employers living, working, and doing business in New York State and New York City.

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize the essence of Discrimination Theory
2. Recognize protected classes
3. Review procedure and substantive rights