The Minnesota Human Rights Act protects everyone in Minnesota age 18 and older from age discrimination. The Minnesota law is different than the federal law, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which protects only workers age 40 and over. Minnesota’s law protects older and younger workers from age discrimination.  

In addition, unlike federal law, the Human Rights Act covers discrimination in the area of education, involving colleges and trade schools, public and private.

With limited exceptions, the following actions constitute a violation of the Human Rights Act:

When, because of race, color, creed, religion, national, sex, martial status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability or age: employers refuse to hire, discharge or discriminat with respect to benefits or conditions of employment; labor organizations deny membership, fail to represent members, fail to refer for jobs or otherwise treat members differently; employment agencies reject job applications, fail or refuse to refer for employment or comply with  requests to screen or refer applicants on a discriminatory basis; educational institution or its staff excludes, expels, or otherwise discriminates a student or a person seeking enrollment.

Educational institutions include both public private or commercial educational organizations.  

Typically, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has investigated more than 100 charges of age discrimination annually. The summarized results of some of these cases can be found on the department’s web site, along with other useful information.

If you or someone in your family feels that they have been a victim of age discrimination or another type of discrimination, you may contact the department for assistance. Call 651/296-5663      (St. Paul office), 651/296-1283 or (TTY), 800/657-3704. Their website is www.humanrights.state.mn.us.