Our lawyers have 30 years of experience filing discrimination and retaliation claims on behalf of police officers, firefighters and first responders. However, sexual discrimination in the workplace is illegal.Racial discrimination in the workplace is strictly illegal. Employers violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 if they discriminate against workers based on their gender. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Penalties for Employers Violating Title VII. Business owners who violate Title VII face lawsuits, penalties, and compensatory damages. The federal Civil Rights Act of 1991 expanded the right of plaintiffs to compensatory and punitive damages. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.