Getting fired from a job is hard. But being fired for the wrong reasons—like your race, gender, age, or disability—takes it to another level. In many cases, wrongful termination and discrimination aren’t just separate problems. They’re deeply connected, and when they show up together, the impact can be life-changing.
Let’s break down how discrimination often leads to wrongful termination—and what you can do if it happens to you.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination happens when an employer fires someone for an illegal reason. This could mean breaking a written contract, violating public policy, or—most commonly—discriminating against a protected class.
“Protected class” simply means certain personal characteristics that are protected by law, like:
- Race
- Gender or sexual orientation
- Religion
- Age (40 and over)
- Disability
- National origin
- Pregnancy
If you’re fired because of any of these, that’s not just unfair—it’s illegal.
The Discrimination Connection
Sometimes, discrimination at work is easy to spot: A manager makes offensive jokes, or someone’s constantly overlooked for promotions because of their background.
Other times, it’s more subtle. A long-time employee suddenly starts receiving negative performance reviews right after disclosing a pregnancy. Or a company “restructures” and lays off only the oldest members of a team. Then a few weeks later, they replace them with younger hires.
These patterns matter. If you’re treated unfairly or fired—and your identity seems to be part of the reason—it may be a case where wrongful termination and discrimination go hand-in-hand.
Common Scenarios Where It Happens
- A woman announces her pregnancy and is let go shortly after.
- An employee with a disability asks for accommodations, and suddenly their performance is questioned.
- A worker files a complaint about racial discrimination—and is “laid off” soon after.
- An older employee is replaced by someone younger with less experience, with no clear explanation.
These aren’t just unfortunate stories. They could all be signs of wrongful termination based on discrimination—and they’re more common than you might think.
What Should You Do If It Happens to You?
First, trust your instincts. If you feel like your firing wasn’t just about performance or budget cuts, start taking notes. Keep copies of emails, performance reviews, and any written communication that might show bias or unfair treatment.
Second, talk to someone who knows the law. Connecting with experienced wrongful termination lawyers can help you understand if what happened to you was legal—and what your options are.
They can help you file a complaint, negotiate a settlement, or even take your case to court if necessary.
You Have the Right to Fair Treatment
Being let go from your job shouldn’t come down to who you are, how old you are, or what you believe in. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated and think discrimination played a role, you don’t have to stay silent.
You deserve respect—and legal protection.