{"id":387320,"date":"2025-12-02T16:43:57","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T21:43:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=387320"},"modified":"2025-12-02T16:11:30","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T21:11:30","slug":"can-i-sue-my-employer-for-discrimination","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/can-i-sue-my-employer-for-discrimination.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I Sue My Employer for Discrimination?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can I Sue My Employer for Discrimination?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

You can sue your employer for discrimination, but in most instances, you must first file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/span> (EEOC<\/span>) and obtain a Right to Sue letter. The only exception is Equal Pay Act<\/span> claims, which allow you to go directly to court. Federal and state laws<\/span> protect employees from discrimination based on characteristics like race, sex, age, disability, and religion.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re like most people, you know how hard it is to find your dream job. Even if you don\u2019t love the job you have, you probably work hard and expect to stay with your current employer for a while. This is why it\u2019s so disheartening if your employer discriminates<\/a> against you.<\/p>\n

What do you do if you believe your current or former employer<\/span> has discriminated against you? This article explains your legal rights<\/span> and explores your legal options regarding workplace discrimination<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you believe you\u2019re the victim of unfair employment practices<\/span>, consider reaching out to a local discrimination attorney. There are state and federal laws<\/span> that protect you from this kind of behavior. A seasoned employment lawyer<\/span><\/a> can evaluate your claim and explain your legal options.<\/p>\n

What Is Workplace Discrimination<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Workplace discrimination<\/span> comes in many forms, which can range from sexual harassment<\/span><\/a> to unfair performance reviews<\/span>. Sometimes this discrimination is based on race or national origin<\/span>. Other times, employers treat their workers unfairly due to their sexual orientation<\/span> or gender identity<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re a private or public employee, you have the right to fair <\/span>employment<\/span> practices<\/span><\/a>. If your employer isn\u2019t treating you fairly or has denied you certain benefits based on your race, religion, or marital status<\/span>, you may have a valid discrimination claim.<\/p>\n

Types of Employment Discrimination<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several types of employment discrimination<\/span>. While many claims involve racial discrimination, the law prohibits discrimination for several protected characteristics<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If your manager, supervisor, or even coworker<\/span> treats you differently because of your gender<\/a>, nationality, or other identifiable characteristic, you may have a legal claim.<\/p>\n

Some of the most common forms of workplace discrimination<\/span> include the following:<\/p>\n