Signs of Workplace Discrimination in Texas

Recognizing Signs of Workplace Discrimination in Texas

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly due to a legally protected characteristic. In Texas, both state and federal laws protect workers from such treatment. Discrimination can be overt or subtle, and recognizing the signs is the first step toward protecting your rights.

---

Common Signs of Workplace Discrimination

If you observe any of the following in your workplace, they may be indicators of discrimination:

• Unequal Compensation: Employees doing the same work under similar conditions are paid differently because of their race, gender, age, national origin, religion, or another protected trait.

• Biased Disciplinary Actions: Some employees may be written up, demoted, or terminated for minor infractions, while others committing similar or worse violations face no consequences.

• Promotion Disparities: Qualified individuals are overlooked for promotions in favor of less qualified employees due to discriminatory motives, including favoritism based on protected characteristics.

• Hostile Work Environment: Persistent offensive jokes, slurs, ridicule, or name-calling targeting protected traits, especially when management is aware but fails to intervene.

• Exclusion from Opportunities: Being deliberately excluded from meetings, team projects, social events, or professional development due to race, sex, disability, or other status.

• Performance Review Bias: Receiving negative reviews that lack merit or consistency with actual job performance or receiving feedback based on stereotypes rather than objective results.

• Retaliation: Suffering adverse consequences like demotion, reassignment, or termination after filing a complaint or participating in a workplace investigation related to discrimination.

• Harassment: Unwanted physical contact, sexual advances, intimidation, or repeated derogatory remarks that interfere with an employee’s ability to work.

---

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you suspect you are experiencing workplace discrimination, take the following steps:

1. Document Everything: Maintain a detailed written record of discriminatory incidents, including dates, locations, people involved, emails, and any witnesses.

2. Use Internal Reporting Channels: Report your concerns through official workplace mechanisms, such as Human Resources (HR) or a designated compliance officer. Keep copies of all correspondence.

3. File an Administrative Complaint: In Texas, discrimination complaints can be filed with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Complaints must typically be filed within 180 to 300 days of the incident.

4. Consult an Employment Attorney: An experienced Texas discrimination lawyer can help evaluate your case, ensure proper filing, and advocate on your behalf in settlement negotiations or litigation.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What are protected characteristics under Texas law?

Protected characteristics under Texas and federal law include race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information.

Can I be fired for reporting discrimination?

No. Both Texas and federal laws prohibit retaliation against employees for reporting workplace discrimination or participating in related investigations or legal proceedings.

Do I need a lawyer to pursue a discrimination claim?

While you are not legally required to have an attorney to file a complaint, a lawyer can help navigate complex legal procedures, gather evidence, and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

---

If you believe you've been a victim of workplace discrimination in Texas, contact AskLitigation or call (888) 970-8627 for a confidential consultation with an experienced employment attorney.