Family Status is now a protected class.
Is being a parent a protected status? It is now.
Under the End Family Status Discrimination Act, “familial status” is now a protected class under the New York State Human Rights Law. What does this mean?
Under this amendment, employers may not discriminate against employees based upon their status of having a family. This prevents employers from discriminating against parents in terms of employment, compensation and privileges in employment. It further means it is unlawful for an employer not to hire someone because they are a parent.