Personal Injury · Legal Guide
Workplace Discrimination: Know Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
Federal law protects employees from discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, and more. If your employer has treated you differently because of who you are, you have legal options.
Workplace discrimination remains a widespread problem despite decades of federal legislation. If you believe you have been discriminated against at work, understanding your rights is the critical first step.
Federal Laws That Protect You
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act — prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) — protects workers 40 and older
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — requires reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act — prohibits adverse treatment based on pregnancy or childbirth
- Equal Pay Act — requires equal pay for equal work regardless of sex
Forms of Discrimination
- Denied promotions or raises given to less qualified colleagues
- Subjected to a hostile work environment based on a protected characteristic
- Disciplined more harshly than colleagues for the same conduct
- Excluded from meetings, assignments, or training opportunities
Filing an EEOC Charge
Before filing a federal lawsuit, you must typically file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 to 300 days of the discriminatory act. The EEOC will investigate and may issue a "right to sue" letter enabling your lawsuit.