The Missouri Commission on Human Rights investigates workplace complaints of discrimination and harassment based on the protected categories of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, age and disability.

It is important to understand that the antidiscrimination and antiharassment laws do not protect employees from rude, uncivil or harassing behavior by a boss — unless it is based on one of the protected categories or directed at a protected class of workers. Nevertheless, your district may have a conflict-resolution process, a grievance procedure or another method to address incivilities or lack of professionalism by the boss.

For more information on workplace discrimination, including when and how to file a complaint, check the Web site of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights at www.dolir.state.mo.us/hr/index.htm.

Information on federal enforcement of civil rights in the workplace by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is available at www.eeoc.gov. Contact your MSTA field representative to help you ascertain what might be the best course of action in your district.

Once a week, MSTA’s legal team will post a new pointer to help you be proactive in preventing and addressing matters that sometimes lead to legal concerns. Of course, we will continue to provide our legal services to members who contact us through the regular channels.

The information in this site is for educational purposes only. The information contained here does not constitute legal advice, and the use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have a confidential legal matter to discuss, please contact the Legal Services Department at (800) 392-0532. We would be happy to help you.

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