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Workplace Discrimination Examples: What Texas Employees Need to Know (2025 Guide)

Discrimination at work isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s a blatant racial slur, but other times it’s a promotion that mysteriously never happens or a coworker constantly “joking” about your disability.

So what counts as workplace discrimination—and what can you do about it if it happens to you?

Let’s break it down with real examples, clear definitions, and your legal rights as a Texas employee.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly or unequally because of a protected characteristic such as:

• Race or color

• Gender or sexual orientation

• Religion

• Age (40+)

• Disability

• National origin

• Pregnancy

Texas and federal law protect employees under the Texas Labor Code and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, among others.

Real-World Examples of Workplace Discrimination

1. Racial Discrimination

• A Black employee is repeatedly denied promotions despite glowing reviews, while less qualified white coworkers move up.

• Management ignores racist jokes or comments in the breakroom.

2. Gender Discrimination

• A female engineer is assigned administrative tasks while male peers get leadership roles.

• A man is harassed for taking paternity leave.

3. LGBTQ+ Discrimination

• A transgender employee is told to use the wrong bathroom.

• A gay worker is excluded from team events and mocked for his voice or mannerisms.

4. Disability Discrimination

• An employee requests a reasonable accommodation (like a standing desk or remote work) and is denied without discussion.

• A manager mocks someone’s speech impediment in front of coworkers.

5. Religious Discrimination

• A Muslim worker is denied time off to observe Eid but others are allowed holiday time.

• A Jewish employee is harassed for wearing a yarmulke.

6. Age Discrimination

• A 62-year-old is laid off while younger, less experienced workers keep their jobs.

• Job ads say they want a “young, energetic team.”

7. Pregnancy Discrimination

• A pregnant employee is suddenly taken off big projects.

• A boss implies she shouldn’t return to work after giving birth.

Subtle vs. Obvious Discrimination

Not all discrimination is loud or aggressive.

Sometimes it’s about being left out, repeatedly overlooked, or punished for things others get away with. These microaggressions or biased decisions still matter—especially when they form a pattern.

What You Can Do If You Experience Discrimination

1. Document Everything

• Save emails, screenshots, performance reviews

• Write down incidents with dates, times, and witnesses

2. Report Internally

• File a complaint with HR or your supervisor, if safe

• Follow your company’s formal complaint process

3. File a Legal Complaint

• With the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)

• Or with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD)

4. Talk to an Employment Lawyer

• They can help you determine if you have a case and guide you through next steps

Real-Life Scenario: The Promotion That Never Came

“Luis,” a Mexican-American project manager, noticed that after he disclosed his sexuality, his boss stopped inviting him to client meetings.

Despite excellent performance, Luis was passed up for a promotion. HR claimed it was due to “team fit.”

Luis worked with an employment lawyer, filed an EEOC complaint, and eventually reached a settlement.

How The Lange Firm Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we:

• Represent Texas employees facing discrimination at work

• Help file EEOC and TWC-CRD complaints

• Pursue settlements or lawsuits when appropriate

We believe every worker deserves dignity, respect, and a workplace free from bias.

Final Takeaway

Discrimination doesn’t always shout—but it still stings.

If something feels wrong at work, it might be illegal. Whether it’s being harassed, overlooked, or pushed out, talk to The Lange Firm today. Let’s make sure your rights—and your future—are protected.