Discrimination in the workplace is more common than many employees realize. While some forms of discrimination are obvious, others are subtle and develop slowly over time. In a large and diverse city like Houston, workers across industries may experience unfair treatment without realizing that the law protects them.
Understanding what workplace discrimination looks like—and knowing where to turn for help—can make a critical difference in protecting your career, income, and dignity.
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic rather than job performance or business needs. Under federal and Texas law, employers are prohibited from discriminating based on factors such as:
- Race or ethnicity
- National origin
- Sex or gender
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Disability
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
Discrimination can occur at any stage of employment, including hiring, promotions, discipline, pay decisions, scheduling, and termination.
Common Examples of Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination does not always involve direct slurs or explicit statements. Many cases involve patterns of behavior that create unequal treatment.
Examples include:
An employee being passed over for promotions repeatedly while less qualified coworkers outside their protected group advance.
A pregnant employee suddenly receiving negative performance reviews after announcing her pregnancy, despite a strong work history.
A worker with a medical condition being denied reasonable accommodations while others receive flexibility.
An older employee being pushed out through schedule changes, reduced hours, or unrealistic performance expectations.
An employee being disciplined more harshly than coworkers for the same conduct.
In many cases, discrimination becomes clearer when employees compare how rules are enforced against them versus others.
When Discrimination Creates a Hostile Work Environment
Discrimination can also appear as a hostile work environment. This occurs when conduct becomes so severe or frequent that it interferes with an employee’s ability to do their job.
Examples include:
Repeated offensive comments or jokes tied to protected characteristics
Public humiliation or ridicule
Threats or intimidation
Isolation or exclusion
Unwanted comments about appearance, pregnancy, or personal life
A single incident may not always qualify, but ongoing behavior often does.
Retaliation Often Follows Discrimination
One of the most common issues employees face is retaliation. Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for asserting their rights.
This can include:
- Demotion
- Schedule changes
- Reduced hours
- Increased scrutiny
- Discipline
- Termination
If negative treatment begins shortly after an employee reports discrimination or requests accommodations, retaliation may be a serious concern.
Why Documentation Matters
Employees experiencing discrimination should document what is happening as early as possible.
Helpful documentation may include:
- Dates and descriptions of incidents
- Emails or messages
- Performance reviews
- Witness names
- Copies of complaints made to HR
Discrimination cases often depend on patterns and timelines rather than a single event.
Getting Legal Guidance in Houston
Workplace discrimination cases are complex, and not every unfair situation rises to the level of illegal conduct. That’s why legal guidance matters.
Employees in Houston seeking information about their rights may find it helpful to learn more about The Lange Firm, a law firm that focuses on employment law matters, including discrimination and retaliation. Additional information about the firm’s employment law practice can be found here:
👉 https://langefirm.com/practice-post/employment-lawyer-in-houston/
Understanding whether conduct violates the law—and what options are available—can help employees make informed decisions before situations escalate.
Taking Action Against Workplace Discrimination
When discrimination affects job security, income, or mental health, taking action may be necessary. Employees should not assume they have no options simply because Texas is an at-will employment state.
For workers who believe they may be facing discrimination in the workplace, The Lange Firm provides resources focused specifically on these issues. More information about workplace discrimination and available legal options is available here:
👉 https://langefirm.com/home-one/workplace-discrimination/
Final Thoughts
No employee should feel powerless or forced to tolerate discrimination at work. While not every workplace conflict is illegal, discrimination based on protected characteristics is a serious issue under Texas and federal law.
Recognizing the signs early, documenting what’s happening, and understanding available legal resources can help employees protect their rights and move forward with clarity.