Federal & State Regulations | National origin discrimination - Tennessee

State Info

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Employer defined

“Employer” includes the state, or any political or civil subdivision, and persons employing eight or more persons within the state, or any person acting as an agent of an employer, directly or indirectly.

Unlawful employment practices

The unlawful employment practices and exemptions are similar to those under the federal Guidelines on Discrimination Because of National Origin. The state also allows employers to adopt policies which require employees to speak English at certain times, similar to the federal regulation at §1606.7, Speak English only rules. Specifically, state law says:

“It is not a discriminatory practice for an employer to institute a policy in the employer's workplace requiring that all employees speak only in English at certain times when the employer has a legitimate business necessity for such a policy, including but not limited to the safe and efficient operation of the employer's business, and the employer provides notice to employees of the policy and the consequences of violating the policy.”

Posting

Employers must post the “Tennessee Law Prohibits Discrimination in Employment” poster in a prominent location.