Workplace Discrimination

Employees across the country have endured workplace discrimination for generations. And even today—despite strong federal and state laws that prohibit it—unlawful discrimination still occurs in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

But what exactly qualifies as workplace discrimination?

What Counts as Discrimination at Work?

In Massachusetts, it is illegal for an employer to treat an employee or job applicant unfairly because of a protected characteristic. These include:

• Race
• National origin
• Age
• Sex
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Disability
• Pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions
• Veteran status
• Genetic information
• And other protected categories under state and federal law

Your employer cannot take adverse actions—such as refusing to hire you, firing you, cutting your hours, demoting you, reducing your pay, or denying you a promotion—because of any of these protected characteristics.

Retaliation Is Also Illegal

Discrimination laws protect more than just the characteristics listed above. They also protect your right to speak up. Your employer is prohibited from punishing you because you:

• Reported discrimination or harassment
• Requested a reasonable accommodation
• Participated in a workplace investigation
• Supported a coworker’s discrimination complaint

Retaliation is one of the most common—and most serious—violations of employment law.

Why These Cases Can Be Hard to Spot

Discrimination is not always blatant. Employers often mask unlawful motives behind excuses such as “restructuring,” “performance concerns,” or “budget cuts.” Determining whether what happened to you is illegal requires experience, legal knowledge, and a careful review of the facts.

Our attorneys have spent decades representing employees in discrimination and retaliation cases. We understand the patterns, the warning signs, and the evidence needed to prove what really happened.

How We Help

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against—or you’re not sure but something feels wrong—we can help you:

• Understand your rights under Massachusetts and federal law
• Evaluate whether your situation qualifies as unlawful discrimination
• Document what happened and preserve key evidence
• File a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) or the EEOC
• Pursue compensation through negotiation, mediation, or litigation

Talk to an Experienced Employment Lawyer

You don’t have to navigate this alone. If you think you may have been the target of discrimination or retaliation, contact us. A confidential conversation with an experienced employment attorney can give you clarity—and a path forward.

We’ve been advocating for workers for decades. We’re ready to stand up for you.