Pick what's happening at work and see what federal law actually covers — when a job decision, harassment, or retaliation crosses the line — plus the deadline and the official EEOC process for filing a charge. Facts and next steps only, each with a link to the source.
Federal anti-discrimination laws make it unlawful for most employers to base job decisions — hiring, firing, pay, promotions, assignments, or benefits — on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age 40 or older, disability, or genetic information. The law turns on the reason behind a decision, not on whether it felt unfair, and most of these laws apply only to employers above a minimum size. Harassment and retaliation for reporting are covered too.
For most workplaces you generally must file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission before you can sue under federal law. The deadline is generally 180 days from when the discrimination happened, extended to 300 days where a state or local agency enforces a related law. After the agency process you may receive a Notice of Right to Sue. This tool links you to the EEOC's official filing pages and the underlying statute so you can act before the clock runs out.
Disclaimer: NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. Using a tool does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws change and vary by situation — verify anything important with the official source or a licensed attorney in your state.