Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VII bars an employer from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in hiring, discharge, compensation, and any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. An "employer" is defined under Title VII as any person "engaged in an industry affecting commerce who has 15 or more employees for each working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year." An "employer" can be a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation. A partner is not considered an employee under Title VII. The majority of employment-related lawsuits alleging discrimination are brought under Title VII.