How may I learn about discrimination? The Human Rights Bureau has an education unit whose mission is to provide training and education to the public, especially employers, about unlawful discrimination and how to prevent it. If you would like information concerning our education program you may contact the Bureau at (505) 827-6838 or toll-free at 1-800-566-9471.
What is the Human Rights Commission? The Human Rights Commission is comprised of eleven citizens appointed by the governor to conduct hearings involving discrimination complaints. The eleven members volunteer their services and are not employees of the state. A commission hearing may be conducted by a single hearing officer or a three-member panel. The final decision in every case is made by a three-member panel either on cases the panel has heard or recommendations from the hearing officer.
What may I have awarded if I win my case? Under the Human Rights Act, the commission may award actual damages, e.g., back pay, front pay, compensatory damages and attorney’s fees.
I was bypassed for a major promotion because I am pregnant. Is this legal? No. The law is very specific when it comes to pregnancy discrimination. The primary agency that administers federal law on pregnancy discrimination is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which can be reached at 1-800-669-4000. Contact EEOC to speak to a counselor about your legal rights. You may also contact the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau who cover employers with four or more employees and can be reached at 1-800-566-9471 or through the DWS website. Your employer cannot take away credit for previous work years or seniority because you go on maternity leave.
I just found out that I am pregnant. Can my employer fire me or reassign me? The New Mexico Human Rights Act, which covers employers with four or more employees, also prevents an employer from firing you because you are pregnant. You can file a complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau if you feel that this has happened to you.