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There are laws protecting you against wrongful discharge from a job. You cannot be fired from, or for that matter, turned down for a job because of race, religion, gender, color, national origin, age, or disability. Title Seven of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, as amended, prohibits discrimination not only in discharge, but also hiring, promotion, pay, fringe benefits, and other aspects of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, or national origin. The law covers applicants to, and employees of, most private employers, state and local governments, public or private educational institutions, employment agencies, labor unions, and apprenticeship programs. An employer who wrongfully discharges an employee is subject to a lawsuit and in some cases, punitive (PYUN-ih-tive) damages and criminal prosecution. If after careful examination of the situation, you feel your rights have been violated, you may wish to contact an attorney. And if the incident specifically involves a discriminatory practice, you may wish to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
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