Discrimination is against the law, but, unfortunately, it happens in the work place all too often. Discrimination occurs when an employer, supervisor, manager, or even sometimes a co-worker changes the conditions of employment for the worse because the employee, trainee, intern, or apprentice is a member of a protected class.

  A protected class is defined in California as the following: race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status. If an employee suffers a loss of pay, demotion, termination, or other negative change in employment status because of that employee’s protected status, then the adverse employment action is discrimination.