To discriminate means to treat those people in some way differently than other people who are not in the same class. A charge of discrimination is a signed statement asserting that an employer, union or labor organization engaged in employment discrimination.California and federal laws make it illegal for employers to discriminate against job applicants or employees. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to file a discrimination complaint, including steps, legal considerations, and resources. You have been treated unjustly based on one of your protected characteristics. Protected characteristics are attributes employers cannot discriminate against, such as age, race, gender, religion, disability and national origin. Discrimination is defined as an Unfavorable Action taken because of an individual's actual or perceived Protected Category. In plain English, to discriminate means distinguishing, singling out, or making a distinction. We discriminate all the time in everyday life. The code also addresses issues related to discrimination in housing.