Facebook has done a lot to alter society. Between allowing people to connect all over the world through both written word and video, to helping small businesses see great return on minimum investments, it has consistently made many things easier.
However, it seems that has not been without some occasional steps backwards.
Facebook May Be Facilitating Gender Discrimination
According to charges filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Facebook has been discriminating against millions of women, by allowing its advertisers to target their ads for jobs in fields that are already dominated by men, to younger male users.
Facebook made $13 billion in revenue last quarter alone, through its history of highly tailored advertising to select groups of consumers.
Ads Targeted to Male Users
Individuals who have been looking for work have alleged that Facebook has been helping employers to target their advertisements for work to young men, to the exclusion of women and older men.
This is not the first time that Facebook has come under fire for enabling discrimination.
Discrimination Claims
The company has come under fire before for its technology, which allowed for landlords to discriminate against African Americans and other minority groups. Recently, Facebook agreed to remove 5,000 ad targeting proxies that were related to race and sexual orientation. This was in response to a lawsuit in the state of Washington.
Along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Communication Workers of America, a group of job seekers has filed charges against Facebook, as well as 10 other companies.
The ACLU explained that by only allowing for select job ads to be seen by male Facebook members, it is excluding women who may very well be qualified – or even more qualified – for the same position.
Additionally, when the ads are clicked on, they lead their viewers to additional pages of more job listings. This only further excludes women who may be a good fit for these positions.
Policy Concerns
An attorney with the ACLU Women’s Rights Project expressed her concerns over the historical relevance of sex segregated job advertising. That it is shutting women out of good, well-paying job opportunities is an issue that she believes should have been remedied long ago.
A Facebook spokesman defended the company’s policies. He stated that discrimination – gender or otherwise – is completely prohibited. The spokesman says that the company plans to review the allegations, but will defend their advertising practices.
Potentially Violating Federal Law
Not only are these practices unfair, but it also appears that they may be in violation of federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits discrimination against those of specific protected groups, such as, in this instance, gender.
Middletown Employment Discrimination Lawyers McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Help Victims of Employment Discrimination
If you or someone you know has been the victim of employment discrimination – whether on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or religion – it is important that you take action.
The Middletown employment discrimination lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. have fought for clients across New Jersey, including Red Bank, Middleton, Cherry Hill, and Marlton, to get what they deserve. We can help you to do the same.
Call our Red Bank office at 732-842-6500, our Marlton office at 856-985-9800, our Newark office at 973-878-9040, or contact us at 888-396-0736 or online for a free consultation. We represent clients throughout New Jersey.