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New Laws for 2014: Human Rights Laws Extended to Interns (NYC)


Each state has a host of new employment and labor related laws that take effect in 2014. This series focuses on several new laws from around the country that are of particular interest.  In this instance, this note focuses on an amendment made by New York City.


On March 26, 2014, the New York City Council unanimously passed legislation to amend the New York City Human Rights Law ("NYCHRL"), specifically in regard to interns.  The amendment now provides all interns (both paid and unpaid) with protection from discrimination and harassment.  The amendment now protects interns on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, gender, national origin, disability, and sexual orientation.  As well, employers will now be required to make reasonable accommodations for interns' disabilities, in certain situations.  

It is important for NYC employers to note that this amendment to the NYCHRL goes into effect June 14, 2014.  Interesting enough, New York City joins Washington, D.C. and Oregon as the only cities/states to extend to interns the same protections from discrimination and harassment that are extended to employees.  It will be interesting to see what city or state follows suit.

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