What Is Considered Discrimination at Work?
In today’s workforce, fair treatment is not just an ethical standard—it’s a legal requirement. Yet, workplace discrimination remains a reality for many employees across various industries. Whether it’s being overlooked for a promotion, receiving unequal pay, or enduring hostile comments, discrimination at work can take many forms. Understanding what qualifies as workplace discrimination is critical for both employees and employers.
At Klie Law Offices, a leading West Virginia employment law firm, we represent individuals who have experienced unlawful discrimination in the workplace. Our experienced employment discrimination lawyers help clients identify illegal conduct, file claims, and pursue justice under federal and state law.
Understanding Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly due to characteristics that are protected by law. These characteristics—known as protected classes—are defined by federal legislation like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as West Virginia employment law.
Discrimination can be subtle or overt, and it’s not limited to obvious acts. It can impact hiring, firing, promotions, wages, job assignments, and other conditions of employment.
Protected Characteristics Under Employment Law
For an act to be considered workplace discrimination, it must be based on one or more of the following protected characteristics:
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Race and Color
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National Origin
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Sex, including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation
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Religion
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Age (40 and older)
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Disability
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Genetic Information
West Virginia also offers additional protections beyond federal employment law, which can be critical in pursuing a workplace discrimination claim.
Types of Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination at work can take various forms, including:
1. Hiring and Recruitment Bias
Job postings or interviews that discourage or exclude people based on age, gender, national origin, or other protected traits may violate employment discrimination laws.
2. Unequal Pay
Under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII, wage discrimination based on gender or race is illegal. If you’re being paid less than your coworkers for similar work, contact a workplace discrimination attorney.
3. Denial of Promotion or Career Opportunities
If you’re passed over for promotions or training due to your age, gender, or race, this may be considered workplace discrimination under both federal and West Virginia law.
4. Wrongful Termination
Firing an employee based on disability, age, religion, or for reporting discrimination is illegal. If you suspect you’ve been wrongfully terminated, consult a wrongful termination lawyer.
5. Hostile Work Environment
Offensive jokes, slurs, or constant harassment based on race, religion, or gender can create a hostile work environment. Employers have a legal duty to prevent this.
6. Retaliation
Retaliating against employees for filing complaints, testifying, or resisting discrimination is illegal. A West Virginia employment lawyer can help protect your rights if you’ve faced retaliation.
Hostile Work Environment and Harassment
A hostile work environment occurs when harassment or abuse becomes so pervasive that it interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job. To meet the legal definition, the behavior must be:
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Based on a protected characteristic
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Unwelcome and offensive
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Severe or pervasive
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Disruptive to job performance
Klie Law Offices provides legal support for employees who are suffering from a hostile work environment. Our employment discrimination lawyers in Buckhannon, Parkersburg, Clarksburg, and Morgantown can help you take legal action.
Discrimination in Remote and Hybrid Work Environments
Even in remote or hybrid work settings, workplace discrimination can occur. Unequal access to meetings, training, or project assignments can reflect bias. If remote employees are being treated differently based on race, gender, or disability, that may still qualify as employment discrimination.
How to Prove Employment Discrimination
If you believe you’ve been subjected to workplace discrimination, take the following steps:
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Document the incidents, including dates, names, and witnesses.
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Save emails, messages, performance reviews, or pay records.
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File an internal complaint with HR.
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Speak with an experienced West Virginia workplace discrimination attorney.
Klie Law Offices helps clients build strong claims by collecting evidence, guiding them through internal complaints, and representing them in legal proceedings.
What to Do If You’ve Been Discriminated Against at Work
If you’ve faced employment discrimination, don’t wait to act. You may be entitled to damages, reinstatement, or other remedies. Klie Law Offices can help you:
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File an EEOC or state-level complaint
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Pursue damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and more
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Challenge wrongful termination or retaliation
Our team will walk you through every step of the process and fight to protect your employee rights.
Why Choose Klie Law Offices
At Klie Law Offices, our employment law attorneys are committed to holding employers accountable and securing justice for workers. We offer:
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In-depth case evaluations
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Skilled legal representation for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims
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Legal services in Buckhannon, Parkersburg, Morgantown, and Clarksburg, WV
We handle all types of employment discrimination cases, including race, gender, disability, age, and religion-based claims. Whether your case involves a hostile work environment or unlawful termination, we’re here to help.
Your Rights Matter – Let Us Help You Protect Them
Discrimination at work is illegal, unacceptable, and deeply damaging. If you’ve been a victim of discriminatory behavior, it’s important to know that help is available. You don’t have to face this alone.
Reach out to Klie Law Offices today. Our team of employment discrimination lawyers in West Virginia will review your case, explain your rights, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
