Federal fair employment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), prohibit employment practices that discriminate on the basis of sex. The law prohibits sex-based discrimination in hiring, advancement, or any other terms or conditions of employment. Sex discrimination includes discrimination based on maternity and pregnancy; and sexual harassment is considered a form of sex discrimination. The EEOC has ruled that discrimination based on gender identity is also sex discrimination. Title VII covers all public employers and private employers with 15 or more employees. Employers can avoid sex discrimination claims by becoming aware of the risks, developing strong policies against discrimination, training employees, and responding in a timely and effective manner when complaints are made.