At Lebau & Neuworth, we understand that your career is more than just a paycheck—it’s your identity, passion, and future. When workplace discrimination threatens that, the impact can be devastating. The good news is that both Maryland and federal laws offer strong protections for employees against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
This guide will walk you through what employment discrimination looks like, who is protected, and how Maryland’s laws safeguard workers across the state.
Employment discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of their membership in a protected class. This can occur at any stage of employment—from the hiring process to promotions, pay, or even after someone leaves a job.
Examples include:
Maryland law prohibits discrimination based on:
These protections extend to applicants, employees, contractors, and even former employees. Importantly, Maryland law also prohibits retaliation against individuals who file complaints, participate in investigations, or speak out against discrimination.
Most employers in Maryland must comply with these anti-discrimination rules. However, there are some exceptions:
Private employers with 15+ employees, state and local governments, and labor organizations are generally covered by these laws.
Maryland’s anti-discrimination protections apply to nearly all aspects of employment, including:
In Maryland, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against someone due to a disability, a history of disability, or even a perceived disability. Discrimination can include refusing to hire, denying promotions, harassment, or failing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Reasonable accommodations may include:
Maryland law also provides protections for applicants with criminal records. Employers with 15 or more employees cannot ask about conviction history before the first in-person interview, except for specific roles such as jobs involving vulnerable populations. Additionally, blanket bans on hiring individuals with records may be unlawful if they disproportionately impact people of color, creating what’s called a “disparate impact.”
If you believe you’ve experienced employment discrimination:
At Lebau & Neuworth, our Baltimore employment lawyers have decades of experience fighting for individuals facing discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes. We believe no one should suffer unfair treatment at work—and we have the knowledge and resources to hold employers accountable.
If you’ve been subjected to discrimination or harassment at work, don’t face it alone. Contact Lebau & Neuworth today to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve employees throughout Maryland and the DC Metro area. Together, we’ll fight for your rights and restore fairness to your workplace.
