Can You Be Fired for Reporting Discrimination at Work?

By Eugene Bruno on June 15, 2025

If you’ve witnessed or experienced discrimination at your workplace and decided to report it, you may worry: Can I be fired for speaking up? In California, the answer is no—retaliation for reporting workplace discrimination is illegal. 

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we want every San Diego employee to understand their rights and what they can do if those rights are violated. With over 85 years of combined experience, we take a hands-on approach to helping wronged employees hold their employers accountable.

What Laws Protect California Employees Who Report Discrimination?

Both federal and California laws protect workers from being fired or mistreated for reporting unlawful discrimination. Here are the key protections:

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

FEHA is one of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who:

• Oppose workplace discrimination or harassment
• File a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
• Cooperate with investigations or lawsuits under FEHA

This applies to all types of discrimination—race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, and more. If you’re fired after making a complaint or even for helping someone else file one, that’s considered workplace retaliation in California.

California Labor Code Section 1102.5

California Labor Code §1102.5 specifically protects whistleblowers. It prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee for disclosing information that the employee reasonably believes violates a state or federal law, rule, or regulation.

Even if your claim of discrimination is ultimately not proven, as long as your complaint was made in good faith, you are protected under this law.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

At the federal level, Title VII prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who:

• File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• Participate in an EEOC investigation or lawsuit
• Oppose discriminatory practices

If you’ve filed EEOC retaliation complaints, you are shielded from adverse employment actions like demotion or termination.

What Is Considered Retaliation?

Workplace retaliation doesn’t always involve being fired. It can also include:

• Demotions
• Salary reductions
• Changes in job duties
• Hostile work environment
• Transfers to less desirable roles
• Disciplinary write-ups

However, wrongful termination for reporting discrimination remains one of the most severe forms of retaliation. If you’ve been fired for standing up against illegal conduct, it’s time to talk to a San Diego employment lawyer.

Real-World Examples in San Diego County

In recent years, several high-profile cases have reinforced these protections. For instance:

• A former employee of a biotech firm in San Diego was awarded damages after proving that he was fired shortly after reporting age discrimination.
• A teacher in a North County school district won a wrongful termination lawsuit after being let go for supporting a student’s complaint about racial bias from staff.

These cases underscore a vital point that employers who retaliate can face serious legal consequences—and employees have legal remedies.

What Should You Do If You Were Fired for Reporting Discrimination?

If you believe you’ve been terminated or mistreated for speaking out, take the following steps to protect your rights.

Document Everything

Keep copies of emails, memos, text messages, performance reviews, or any communications that support your claim. Timeline matters, so record when you reported the discrimination and when the retaliation began.

File a Complaint with the DFEH or EEOC

You can file a complaint with either agency, depending on the circumstances. Both organizations investigate claims and may offer mediation or legal action if warranted. Note: There are strict deadlines for filing, usually 180 to 300 days after the incident.

Speak to a San Diego Employment Lawyer

Every case is unique. The best way to determine if you have a claim for wrongful termination or reporting discrimination is to talk with an attorney who understands discrimination whistleblower laws.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we provide free consultations and are dedicated to helping workers fight back against illegal retaliation.

What Compensation Could You Recover?

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:

• Reinstatement: Getting your job back or a similar position.
• Back pay: Wages and benefits you lost due to termination.
• Emotional distress damages: Compensation for mental anguish, anxiety, or loss of reputation.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, employers may be ordered to pay additional sums to punish unlawful behavior.

Legal remedies are available, and they’re designed to help you rebuild your career and life.

Why Retaliation Must Be Challenged

Despite strong laws, retaliation still happens—often because employers underestimate the consequences or believe they can hide their motives. Some rely on vague performance justifications or use layoffs as cover. But California courts scrutinize these tactics.

If your termination followed closely after you filed a complaint, and you had a good performance record, that can be enough to support a claim of retaliation. Bringing forth a claim doesn’t just help you. It can also protect others in your workplace from future abuse.

How Eugene Bruno & Associates Can Help

We understand how hard it is to report discrimination and how devastating it is to lose your job for doing the right thing. Our team has helped San Diego employees stand up against workplace retaliation.

We don’t just handle paperwork. We work with you directly, listen to your story, and guide you through each step of the legal process with the goal of making sure you’re heard, respected, and vindicated.

Speak With an Experienced Employment Law Attorney In San Diego

If you’ve been fired for reporting discrimination, don’t wait. Retaliation is illegal, and you may be entitled to compensation. Call Eugene Bruno & Associates at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation. Your voice matters—and we’re here to protect it and hold your employer accountable.