When your employer treats you differently from other employees in the business, you might feel singled out. You want to speak up — but at the same time, you don’t want to lose your job.
Your employer’s treatment is against the law. You may fall into one of several groups, such as being a Hispanic or Black female. Or you might be an older employee.
Employment discrimination covers several categories
People in other groups might also experience discrimination in their workplace. These protected groups include:
- Marital status
- Gender or sex
- Having a medical condition (disability or pregnancy)
- religious affiliation
- Race
- Sexual orientation
- Age
Both state and federal law have outlawed employment discrimination. As an employee, you have rights within the workplace. Employment discrimination means that someone deliberately treats you more harshly than other employees.
What actions might fall under employment discrimination?
Getting familiar with the different kinds of employment discrimination can help you protect yourself. You are protected from harassment because of your age, race, religion, skin color, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity and sexual orientation. You are also protected from unfair treatment because of one of the groups (color, sex) to which you belong. If your employer denies a reasonable request for a workplace change due to a disability or your religious beliefs, this is also employment discrimination.
Finally, you are protected from retaliation because you spoke up about the discrimination you have been subjected to. If your employer retaliates because you helped out with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit, this is also against the law.
If you have been subjected to discrimination in your workplace, don’t feel like you have to fight the situation on your own. Legal guidance can help you decide your next move.
