Discrimination
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
–Martin Luther King, Jr
Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, contracts, and other settings. These laws protect from discrimination based on:
- Age
- Criminal Background Information
- Disability
- Gender
- Military/Veteran Status
- Pregnancy
- Race
- National Origin
- Religion
In many cases, you may not know whether your employer is really treating you differently based on a protected status. The best evidence to support such a claim is that you have been treated differently than other people in similar circumstances–known as “comparators” in legal jargon. For example, if your employer has disciplined you for something that you know another employee did and was not disciplined for, this can provide evidence that your treatment was based on your protected status.
“Reverse” discrimination is also illegal. That is discrimination against a traditionally majority group in employment (such as white men). If you believe you were denied a promotion because of your race or gender status, even if you are white, you may have a claim against your employer.