Legal Question in Employment Law in Maryland

Hello. I have recently applied for a job at a local restaurant. I am 18 years old and both of my parents are chefs who, up until last year, owned a restaurant themselves. I went in for an interview and was told by the manager that I was perfect for the job and she really thought I was a good fit for the business. She also said she just had to run it by her boss before i got hired.

Well, a week went by and I never heard back from them so I gave them a call. I asked if I got the job and I was told that they could not hire me due to the fact that my parents owned a restaurant (I also want to add that when my parents restaurant was open it was still 60 miles away from where i applied).

My Question: Is refusing to hire me because of my father considered discrimination? He no longer ownes a restaurant (not that I think it should make a difference), and i think this is an example of refusing to hire a specific class/category of people. Any input is appreciated!


Asked on 3/17/10, 4:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jed Sorokin-Altmann Law Office of Jed Sorokin-Altmann

Unfortunately, refusing to hire you because your parents owned a restaurant is not discrimination. It may not be fair, and I understand your disappointment/anger, but it isn't illegal either. Illegal discrimination generally involves a set of protected categories, such as age, disability, national origin, race, religion, gender, and things along those lines. I'm afraid that your parents' current or past profession, while not something under your control and not necessarily fair to hold against you, just doesn't qualify. I wish you the best of luck in your employment search, though!

Sincerely,

Jed Sorokin-Altmann

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Answered on 3/27/10, 10:09 pm


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