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If you’ve experienced discrimination at work, you might wonder if saying something will just make things worse. That fear is common—and understandable. No one wants to lose their job for standing up for themselves. But here’s the truth: it’s against the law for your employer to fire you for complaining about workplace discrimination. In this blog, we’ll explain what your rights are, what retaliation can look like, and how we can help if your employer crosses the line.
What Counts as Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic, such as:
- Race or color
- Gender or sex (including pregnancy or gender identity)
- Age (if you’re 40 or older)
- Religion
- National origin
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
Discrimination doesn’t have to be loud or obvious. It can show up in the way you’re paid, the opportunities you’re given (or not given), or how your complaints are handled. If your employer treats you differently because of who you are—not how you work—you may be facing unlawful discrimination.
Can You Be Fired for Speaking Up?
Legally, no—you can’t be fired just for complaining about discrimination. Both federal and Rhode Island laws protect employees who report discrimination in good faith. That includes:
- Filing a complaint with your company’s HR department
- Telling your supervisor about what’s happening
- Submitting a complaint to a government agency, like the EEOC
- Helping someone else file a complaint or serving as a witness
These are all considered protected activities. If your employer takes action against you because you spoke up, they may be guilty of retaliation. That’s illegal, even if the original discrimination complaint is later dismissed or not proven. What matters is that you had a reasonable belief that discrimination occurred and took steps to report it.
What Does Retaliation Look Like?
Retaliation doesn’t always come in the form of a pink slip. Sometimes it’s more subtle—but still harmful. Common signs of retaliation include:
- Sudden negative performance reviews after you complain
- Getting passed over for promotions or raises
- Being moved to a less desirable shift or position
- Getting excluded from meetings or communications
- Having your workload increased—or taken away entirely
- Being written up for minor or exaggerated issues
If your job situation suddenly changes after you report discrimination, there’s a chance retaliation is the reason. Keep track of any changes, no matter how small. They could matter later.
What If Your Employer Claims Another Reason?
Sometimes employers try to cover up retaliation by giving a different reason for firing or disciplining you. They might say it was due to performance issues, restructuring, or policy violations. That’s why timing and documentation matter. If the negative action happened soon after your complaint—or if the reason doesn’t add up—it could still be retaliation. We can help gather the facts and show whether the employer’s explanation holds up under scrutiny.
What You Can Do If You’ve Been Fired
If you’ve been fired—or treated unfairly—after complaining about discrimination, take these steps:
- Document everything. Keep emails and text messages, write down conversations, and note changes in your job.
- File a complaint. You can submit a charge of discrimination with the EEOC or the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights.
- Talk to an attorney. We can help you understand your rights and figure out the best next steps for your situation.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re here to listen to your story and fight for what’s fair.
How We Can Help
At Herman Law Group, we work with employees across Rhode Island who’ve been mistreated, silenced, or fired for speaking up. We know how stressful it is to deal with retaliation, especially after already facing discrimination. Our job is to stand by you, build a strong case, and hold your employer accountable. Whether you’ve just experienced retaliation or you’re not sure what to do next, we’re ready to step in. We’ll take the time to understand your case and explain your options clearly.
Protect Yourself After Speaking Up
If you think you were fired for complaining about workplace discrimination, don’t wait to get answers. Contact Herman Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’re ready to help you protect your rights and move forward with confidence.