Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer, manager or employee treats someone unfairly based on their race, color, religion, gender, disability or another legally protected characteristic in the workplace. For example, someone might be paid less than their coworkers because of their gender.
When discrimination occurs, employees can file a claim that they were unlawfully subjected to workplace discrimination – yet, many incidents of workplace discrimination are never reported because the affected employees fear retaliation.
In truth, the law considers reports of discrimination to be a protected activity. If an employer retaliates – and some may – they can face additional legal consequences.
What are protected activities?
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws grant employees “protected activities.” Some protected activities employees may have include:
- Reporting workplace discrimination or harassment
- Refusing to participate in discrimination
- Requesting disability or religious accommodations
- Whistleblowing unlawful workplace activities
EEO laws protect employees from retaliation when they engage in protected activities. Retaliation can include the following:
- Wrongful firing
- Wage garnishment
- Unreasonably poor performance reviews
- Verbal or physical abuse
- Unreasonable job expectations
- Unexpected job role changes
If an employee is suddenly treated differently after reporting workplace discrimination or engaging in a protected activity, they could be facing retaliation.
Knowing your rights can protect you from job loss. If you want to learn more about your legal rights and protected activities, then you should consider reaching out for professional legal guidance. You may be entitled to compensation for the harm an employer caused you
