Discrimination is not just wrong and immoral, but it is also illegal.  Both federal and state law prohibit discrimination in the workplace based upon an individual’s protected characteristics or status. Unlawful workplace discrimination takes many forms, including termination, failure to hire, failure to promote, demotion, decrease in pay, unfavorable job transfer, material change in responsibilities or duties, and harassment.

For example, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e, prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e(k), clarifies that Title VII’s prohibition against sex discrimination applies to discrimination based on pregnancy. The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), 29 U.S.C. § 621, prohibits discrimination based on age. Disability discrimination is prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §12101, as to non-federal government employers, and the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. § 791, as to federal government employers. The federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), 38 U.S.C. § 4301, prohibits workplace discrimination based upon an individual’s current or past military membership. Tennessee law also prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, age or national origin under the Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA), Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-401, and prohibits workplace discrimination based solely upon disability under the Tennessee Disability Act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-50-103. Tennessee law further prohibits workplace discrimination based upon pregnancy under the Tennessee Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Tenn. Code Ann. §50-10-101.

If you believe that you are experiencing unlawful workplace discrimination, do not delay. Reach out to our attorneys today for a confidential consultation. Our attorneys have significant experience in handling discrimination claims before the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in federal and state courts, or in private arbitration.