Discrimination: Most Common Issues

Harassment: Most common issues

In New York, both federal and state laws protect employees from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Whether you’ve been denied opportunities, targeted with offensive comments, or treated unfairly because of who you are — you have rights, and legal options.

Discrimination and harassment can be subtle or direct. It can come from a manager, coworker, or even a client — and it’s illegal when it’s based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.

Harassment doesn’t need to be physical to be unlawful. Repeated jokes, slurs, comments, or intimidation that create a hostile work environment can all be grounds for a legal claim — especially if your employer fails to act after a complaint.

Your Rights Include:

• The right to work free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity

• The right to report harassment or discrimination without retaliation

• The right to request reasonable accommodations for disabilities, pregnancy, or religious practices

• The right to equal pay and opportunities regardless of gender or background

• The right to file a complaint with your employer, the EEOC, or the NY Division of Human Rights

• The right to sue for damages if your employer ignores or contributes to unlawful behavior

If you've experienced discrimination or harassment at work — or were punished for reporting it — you may be entitled to compensation, job reinstatement, and more.

• Average Payout: The EEOC secured over $439 million in 2020 for victims of workplace discrimination, with settlements average around $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the case.

• Success Rates: Employees represented by attorneys are more likely to win their cases, studies showing a success rate of over 70% compared to much lower rates for unrepresented individuals.

• Retaliation Claims: Over 55% of all discrimination charges filed in 2020 were retaliation claims, highlighting the risks employees face when speaking out.