Workplace Discrimination: Your Rights and How to File a Complaint

Workplace discrimination is illegal under federal law — and most state laws go even further. But knowing your rights and knowing how to enforce them are two different things.

Federal law (primarily Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA) prohibits employment discrimination based on:

- Race, color, and national origin

- Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity)

- Religion

- Age (40 and older)

- Disability

Discrimination can take many forms: being passed over for a promotion, paid less than colleagues, subjected to a hostile work environment, or fired — when the reason is your membership in a protected class.

Before filing a complaint, document everything:

- Keep a written log of incidents with dates, times, locations, and witnesses

- Save emails, texts, and any written communications

- Note any comments made by supervisors or colleagues

- Keep copies of performance reviews, especially if they changed after you reported something

Store this documentation somewhere your employer cannot access — a personal email account or home computer.

Before you can sue for discrimination under federal law, you must file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You generally have 180 days from the discriminatory act to file (300 days in states with their own anti-discrimination agencies).

The EEOC will investigate and may attempt mediation. If they find cause or issue a "right to sue" letter, you can proceed to court.

Filing with the EEOC is free. You can do it online at eeoc.gov.