Law Against Discrimination (LAD)

The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) is the state agency charged with enforcing New Jersey’s civil rights laws, including the Law Against Discrimination (LAD) (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.). Under the LAD, victims of discrimination and bias-based harassment may be entitled to money damages and equitable relief.

The LAD is one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in the country, and prohibits discrimination and bias-based harassment based on many protected classes in the following areas:

• • Employment
  • Housing & Real Estate
  • Places of Public Accommodations (generally, places open to the public, including businesses, restaurants, schools, summer camps, medical providers, government offices and agencies, etc.).

The LAD protects New Jerseyans from discrimination and harassment based on actual or perceived:

• Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
• Liability for service in the US Military
• Marital, CIvil Union or Domestic Partnership Partnership Status
• Gender or Sex

And in some cases

• Familial Status (in housing)
• Age (in employment)
• Genetic Information (in employment)
• Lawful Source of Income (in housing)

Consequences for Violating the LAD

If DCR finds that a violation of the LAD occurred, it can order the respondent to remedy the harm caused by its conduct. That may include:

• • payment of money damages to the victim, including compensatory damages (lost wages and out of pocket expenses)
  • damages for pain and humiliation, and attorneys’ fees
  • civil penalties.

DCR can also order other make-whole relief, such as job reinstatement or granting the victim access to housing.  It can also order equitable or affirmative relief to prevent discrimination or harassment from recurring, including requiring the respondent to create new policies, procedures, or programs; hire new staff; undergo training; or take other affirmative measures.

Filing a Complaint with DCR

• • If you have been subjected to discrimination and/or bias-based harassment by your employer, housing provider, or at a place of public accommodation, you can file a complaint with DCR within 180 days of the incident.
  • To learn more about filing a complaint with DCR, click here or call 1-833-NJDCR4U (833-653-2748) for help.

 DCR Stands with Immigrant and Refugee Communities.

• • DCR enforces the LAD to protect all New Jersey residents, regardless of immigration status. Learn more here.