Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VII, what actions are illegal against a person who complains about discrimination?

The correct response highlights retaliation as illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This legislation is designed to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Importantly, it also specifically protects individuals who file complaints or participate in investigations related to discrimination.

Retaliation can take various forms, such as termination, demotion, harassment, or any adverse action that would deter a reasonable person from making or supporting a discrimination claim. The principle behind this protection is to encourage individuals to come forward with their grievances without fear of negative consequences, thereby promoting a more equitable workplace environment.

In contrast, while ignoring a complaint and providing worse employment terms may reflect poorly on an employer’s practices, they do not directly engage with legal definitions of retaliation. Removing benefits can also be construed as retaliation, but the term encompasses a broader range of negative actions aimed at punishing or intimidating individuals who seek to assert their rights under the Act. Thus, the explicit recognition of retaliation as illegal is critical in safeguarding the rights of those who speak against discrimination and fostering an atmosphere of accountability in workplaces.