Overview

Discriminating against someone means managing that person differently, or less favorably, for some reason. Discrimination can occur while you are at school, at work, or in a public place, such as a mall or subway station. You can be discriminated against by friends, teachers, coaches, coworkers, managers, or business owners. When discrimination lawsuits are filed, it can negatively affect organizations' profits and reputations. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for protecting you from one type of discrimination: employment discrimination because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, age (forty or older), or genetic information. The EEOC may protect you from other types of discrimination, such as discrimination at school.