Discrimination At Work
S.C. Code 1-13-80 and S.C. Code 1-13-90 — the protected grounds, and a sworn complaint within one hundred eighty days
The grounds. It is an unlawful employment practice for an employer to refuse to hire, to discharge, or otherwise to discriminate against an individual in compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability, or to limit, segregate or classify employees or applicants in ways that deprive them of opportunities on those grounds.
It is also unlawful for an employer to refuse reasonable accommodations for medical needs arising from pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship, to deny opportunities because of the need to make one, or to require an employee to take leave where another reasonable accommodation can be provided.
One hundred eighty days. A person complains in writing, under oath or affirmation, to the Human Affairs Commission within one hundred eighty days after the alleged discriminatory practice. The commission's staff help put a verbal complaint into writing, and the commission serves a copy on the respondent within ten days of receiving it.
The section lists exceptions, among them bona fide occupational qualifications, seniority systems and a private employer's preference for veterans. Which employers are covered and the later stages of a complaint are set out in the chapter. Whether a particular decision was discriminatory is a question for a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- S.C. Code 1-13-80 — Unlawful employment practices; exceptions
- S.C. Code 1-13-90 — Complaints, investigations, hearings and orders
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Carolina attorney.