First, plaintiffs filing employment discrimination lawsuits need to prove they were discriminated against because of their “protected class status,” i.e., gender, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or religion. (
See employment discrimination for additional information on groups protected under anti-discrimination laws.) Generally, they must then prove the following:
- They were qualified for their position and doing satisfactory work
- They face negative retaliation or poor treatment because of their protected class status or
- They were unfairly discharged
- They were replaced by an employee who is not a member of the protected class
- The employer fired them under false pretenses
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