Join us for this complimentary webinar!

A new anti-discrimination ordinance recently went into effect in Lehigh County. The law expands the already existing protected classifications under state and federal law and also includes a ban on the use of prior criminal history or conviction records in the hiring process. This webinar will provide an overview of the law and what it means for Lehigh County employers.

Webinar Highlights

Lehigh County has enacted a new anti-discrimination ordinance that impacts almost all employers in the county. The ordinance establishes a local human relations commission and expands the already-existing protections of state and federal anti-discrimination law to more classes of people. The Commission operates like a mini-PHRC and will conduct investigations and potentially a public hearing. 

The ordinance is very broad and deviates from preexisting state and federal anti-discrimination law in several respects. Broadly, the law covers employment, housing, education, healthcare, and public accommodations. In addition: 

• Anyone over 35 as a member of a protected class for purposes of age discrimination. 
• People with a GED as opposed to a high school diploma are also considered a protected class.
• People with a “relationship or association with a disabled person,” as well. 
• An employer is anyone who employs “one or more” employees. 
• The employment provision also bans asking about prior criminal history or considering conviction records where it does not relate to an applicant’s suitability for employment. 

Who Should Attend

Company executives, managers, general counsel and human resource professionals.

Presenter

Wayne E. Pinkstone, Shareholder | Ogletree Deakins

An experienced OSHA and employment lawyer, litigator and advisor, Wayne partners with in-house counsel, safety professionals, HR executives, and company leadership to identify and solve a full range of workplace legal challenges, particularly those involving workplace safety and health issues. Wayne is experienced in developing strategies to contain costs associated with employee relations, personnel, and employment issues. He advises clients on leave and disability matters at the federal and state level and on employment discrimination, diversity, sexual harassment, wage and hour compliance, and workforce reductions. He also conducts in-house training sessions on topics including leave and disability, hiring practices, employee discipline, terminations, investigations, harassment prevention, and supervisory skills and practices. Wayne earned his B.A. from Rutgers University and his J.D. from Widener University School of Law.

Questions? Contact Nicole Pierce at (484) 655-4873 or nicole.pierce@mrcpa.or