Alaska, Connecticut, and New Jersey, as well as the District of Columbia, have passed anti-family responsibilities discrimination (FRD) legislation. This legislation is to protect workers from being discriminated against for the various family responsibilities that many families contend with today. The National Partnership for Women and Families noted that few states have adopted policies that help working families meet their responsibilities. Connecticut’s law prohibits employers from asking employees about their family responsibilities, Alaska forbids discrimination based on parenthood, and New Jersey extends FRD protections to state employees only. Anti-FRD laws want employers to recognize that parents and children need to balance their work and family lives.
1. Do you support the idea of anti-family responsibilities discrimination? Explain your position. Are there specific topics that you would cover in further legislation?
2. What are some specific family-related issues that might arise in the workplace where anti-FRD discrimination legislation would be helpful?