Discrimination and harassment
Treated worse because of who you are
Passed over, paid less, disciplined harder or let go because of a protected trait is against the law.
Harassment is part of this too: a supervisor or coworker whose comments, touching or threats make work something you dread, when it's tied to who you are or is sexual.
These claims have a deadline that surprises people. Most start with a charge to a government agency, not a lawsuit, and the window to file it is measured in months.
Traits the law protects
Race, color and national origin
Sex, including pregnancy
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Age, for workers 40 and over
Disability
Religion
The path
How a discrimination claim moves
- 01
Step 1: File a charge
We file it with the EEOC or the state agency, usually within 180 or 300 days of what happened.
- 02
Step 2: The agency looks into it
Your employer answers, and many cases settle or go to mediation at this stage.
- 03
Step 3: The right to sue
If it doesn't settle, the agency's letter opens the door to court, with a short deadline of its own.
Discrimination and harassment questions
I reported it to HR and nothing happened. Now what?
Keep a copy of what you sent and when. HR works for the company, but your report still matters: it shows the employer knew. Then call us before the agency deadline runs.
It was only comments, never anything physical. Is that harassment?
It can be, if the comments are severe or keep coming. One rude remark usually isn't enough. A pattern often is.
Does it matter that my boss is the same race or sex as me?
No. Discrimination is about why you were treated the way you were, not who did it.