Discrimination or harassment by an employer based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, or religion is illegal. Some jurisdictions also protect sexual orientation and gender identity, though federal law’s protection extent for these categories is ambiguous. Absent a link between the employer’s actions and these characteristics, establishing a legal foundation for a discrimination or harassment claim might be challenging. However, with the introduction of workplace bullying legislation in many states, you might find legal recourse under these laws rather than traditional anti-discrimination statutes.
