"Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal," U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Learn what activities in the workplace are considered discrimination based on your Criminal Record, and how we protect your rights.It is up to the employee (or applicant) to prove not only what happened, but that what happened amounts to unlawful discrimination. Federal discrimination laws and Massachusetts discrimination laws combine to give a long list of fair housing laws in Massachusetts. You must file a claim of discrimination with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination to start your case. To bring and prevail on a discrimination case in a Massachusetts court you must: Establish that you're a member of a Protected Class. You have a right to a workplace free of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Wrongful termination occurs where an employee is discharged for unlawful reasons, which can include discrimination based on a protected class or retaliation. Officials take on discrimination in court system. Reports find disparate treatment, outcomes in Mass.