The act of employment discrimination can take many forms.

Generally, it occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly because of their race, gender, nationality, religion, age, disability, or familial status (pregnancy, specifically). An individual who possesses one of these characteristics (a paralyzed veteran, for example) is said to be part of a “protected class.” Discrimination can occur even if the employee is merely perceived to be a part of a protected class.  An act of discrimination may occur in relation to one of the following actions:

• Refusal to hire;
• Discipline;
• Termination;
• Denial of training;
• Failure to promote;
• Less pay or demotion; OR
• Harassment