Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

For Individuals and Employees

Borrowers

Individuals who apply for credit or mortgage loans from Massachusetts lenders are protected from discrimination. Mortgage lenders are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap (disability), sexual orientation, whether the individual has a child, and retaliation. In addition, banks and other creditors are prohibited from discriminating based on sex, age, sexual orientation, marital statutes, public assistance, and retaliation.

Education

Individuals who apply for admission to schools, universities, and other educational institutions in Massachusetts are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, criminal record, blindness, and retaliation. In addition, educational institutions are responsible for providing an environment free from sexual harassment.

Employees

Massachusetts employers with six or more employees are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap (disability), mental illness, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and genetics. In addition, employers have an affirmative responsibility to provide maternity leave to biological and adoptive parents.

Job Applicants

Massachusetts employers are prohibited from discriminating against prospective employees based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, criminal record, handicap (disability), mental illness, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and genetics. In addition, employers have an affirmative responsibility to provide maternity leave to biological and adoptive parents.

Public Establishments

Discrimination is prohibited based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, handicap (disability), or sexual orientation at places of public accommodation in Massachusetts, such as:

• hotels or other places of lodging
• restaurants or bars
• theatres, sports stadiums, or other places of entertainment
• stores or other retail establishments
• service establishments, such as Laundromats, gas stations, lawyers or accountants
• hospitals, medical and dental offices, and other health care facilities
• transportation providers or stations
• museums, libraries, or other places of public display
• parks, gyms, beaches, or other places of recreation
• schools, colleges, and other educational institutions
• child care centers, senior citizen centers, and other social service establishments
• public streets and highways
• public spaces such as court rooms and polling places

Tenants and Homebuyers

Massachusetts landlords and realtors are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap (disability), sexual harassment, sexual orientation, marital status, children, retaliation, veteran status, or public assistance.