What Counts as Gender Discrimination in the Workplace in Temple? 

You work hard. You show up, you contribute, and you expect to be treated fairly in the workplace regardless of your gender. But when decisions about your pay, advancement, or even how you're spoken to at work are shaped by outdated stereotypes or unequal treatment, it’s not just frustrating, it’s unlawful. 

 

Gender discrimination in the workplace happens more often than people realize, and it doesn’t always look like a dramatic or obvious event. It can be subtle, cumulative, and deeply damaging to your career and well-being. 

 

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code, it’s illegal for employers with 15 or more employees to treat someone unfairly because of their sex, gender identity, or gender expression. These laws protect workers in hiring, pay, promotions, training, benefits, discipline, and more. 

 

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP (SYT), we proudly serve clients in Temple and across Texas who have experienced workplace discrimination. We believe that everyone deserves the same respect, opportunities, and legal protections, and when those rights are violated, we step in to help make things right. In any workplace, respect, fairness, and equal opportunity should be the standard. 

 

What Is Gender Discrimination at Work? 

Gender discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably based on their sex, gender identity, or gender expression. This includes mistreatment of women, men, non-binary individuals, and transgender employees. 

 

Importantly, this form of discrimination doesn’t always happen in obvious or open ways. In fact, many employees experience it subtly over time through unequal treatment, exclusion from opportunities, or assumptions about how they “should” behave based on gender. 

 

The law makes it clear. Your gender cannot legally be used to justify different treatment in areas such as: 

 

Unequal Pay or Benefits 

One of the most recognizable forms of gender discrimination is being paid less than someone of a different gender for doing the same work. This includes salary, bonuses, health benefits, stock options, and retirement plans. 

 

Spot the signs: 

• You're doing the same job as a coworker of a different gender, but with less pay or fewer benefits. 
• Your requests for raises or promotions are repeatedly denied while others advance. 
• You’re told your compensation is based on “market rates” or “negotiation” with no clear structure. 

 

If you believe you’re being underpaid due to your gender, SYT can help you investigate and take action. 

 

Biased Hiring, Promotion, or Termination Decisions 

Employers may make hiring or firing decisions based on outdated gender stereotypes, rather than skills or qualifications. You may be overlooked for certain roles because they’re “better suited for men,” or you might be asked inappropriate questions during interviews about family planning, appearance, or personal life. 

 

Spot the signs: 

• You notice that leadership roles are consistently filled by one gender, despite diverse applicants. 
• You’ve been passed over for promotion without explanation, while less experienced colleagues are advancing. 
• You were terminated after returning from maternity or paternity leave. 

 

Gender-Based Harassment 

Harassment based on gender includes unwanted comments, jokes, advances, or behaviors that create a hostile or uncomfortable work environment. This can be sexual in nature but doesn’t have to be. Even non-sexual harassment like constant belittling, name-calling, or undermining based on your gender can rise to the level of illegal behavior. 

 

Spot the signs: 

• Co-workers or supervisors repeatedly make degrading or objectifying comments. 
• You’re subjected to offensive “jokes” about your gender. 
• You feel unsafe, disrespected, or intimidated simply by coming to work. 

 

Exclusion and Unequal Treatment 

Sometimes, gender discrimination looks like being left out of meetings, trainings, networking opportunities, or decision-making processes. Other times, it shows up in the way tasks are assigned and where one gender gets the more challenging or high-profile work, while others are pushed into less visible roles. 

 

Spot the signs: 

• You're consistently left off group emails or project teams. 
• You're given less support, mentoring, or resources compared to colleagues of another gender. 
• Leadership overlooks your contributions or ideas, giving credit elsewhere. 

 

How SYT Helps You Prove Gender Discrimination 

Gender discrimination cases can feel overwhelming, especially when the employer denies wrongdoing or the mistreatment has gone on for a long time. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, our attorneys are here to take that pressure off you. 

 

We’ll work with you to gather evidence that may include: 

• Emails, performance reviews, and other written documentation 
• Witness statements from coworkers 
• Pay and promotion records 
• Workplace policies and prior complaints 
• Comparisons to how other employees are treated 

 

Even if you’re not sure what qualifies as “evidence,” don’t worry. Our team knows how to uncover the truth. We understand how employers try to hide or excuse discriminatory behavior, and we know how to build a case that gets results. Whether you're still employed or no longer with the company, we’ll guide you through the process with clarity, strategy, and compassion. 

 

What to Do If You Think You’re Facing Gender Discrimination 

If something doesn’t feel right at work trust your instincts. Discrimination can wear you down over time, making you doubt your worth, your career, or even your sanity. That’s where having a dedicated legal advocate makes all the difference. 

 

You don’t have to know all the legal details right now. What matters is taking the first step. The earlier you contact our team, the sooner we can help determine whether your rights have been violated and how best to move forward. 

 

There are legal deadlines that apply to employment discrimination cases, so it’s in your best interest to reach out as soon as possible. By acting early, we can help preserve critical evidence and make sure you don’t miss your chance to be heard. 

 

Ready to Talk? Start with a Free Case Review 

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we know how personal and upsetting gender discrimination can be. Whether it’s about lost income, missed opportunities, or the emotional toll of working in an unfair environment, you deserve answers and a path forward. 

 

We’re proud to fight for those who are often overlooked or silenced. We’ll take the time to understand your story, evaluate your options, and help you decide whether a consultation is the right next step. 

 

Start today by initiating your free case review through our online employment claims form. It’s quick, confidential, and the first step toward reclaiming the fairness and dignity you deserve at work.