What you can do next
Sharing your account is one step. This page lays out the practical ones that often follow: keeping a record, finding a lawyer, talking to journalists, getting connected, and looking after yourself.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a lawyer licensed in your state.
Write down what happened while it is fresh
A clear record is the most useful thing you can build right now. Memories blur and access to systems can be cut off, so capture details early.
Try to keep:
- Dates and times. When each incident happened, and when you reported it.
- What was said. Specific words, as close to verbatim as you can manage.
- Who was there. People involved and anyone who witnessed it.
- Messages and documents. Emails, chats, texts, reviews, and policies that relate to what happened.
- Your own copies. Save copies to a personal device or account, not just your work account, which an employer can shut off.
Keep a simple running log. A dated note after each relevant event is enough.
Find an employment lawyer, and do it soon
An employment lawyer can tell you whether you have a claim and what your options are. Many handle this kind of case.
- Free consultations are common. Many employment lawyers offer a no-cost first meeting to assess your situation.
- Contingency is common. Many work on contingency, meaning they are paid a share of what you recover rather than an upfront fee. Ask how fees and costs work before you sign anything.
- Deadlines are short and vary by state. The window to file a complaint or lawsuit can run out faster than people expect, and it differs depending on where you are and the type of claim. Talk to a lawyer promptly so a deadline does not pass while you decide.
If you are not sure where to start, your state’s fair employment or civil rights agency and your local or state bar association’s lawyer referral service can point you to qualified attorneys.
Talking to journalists, on the record or off
Reporters cover patterns of workplace misconduct, and your account can help. Before you talk to one, get clear on the ground rules.
- On the record. Anything you say can be published and attributed to you by name.
- Off the record. The reporter can use it for their own understanding but cannot publish it or attribute it to you. Agree on this before you speak, not after.
- On background. Terms vary, so confirm exactly how the reporter can use what you say. When in doubt, ask them to define the terms in plain language.
If you opted in to journalist contact when you submitted, this site can pass along your interest to reporters working on relevant stories. You stay in control of whether and how you speak with them.
Getting connected to people who can help
You do not have to find everyone on your own. We can connect you with employment-law and advocacy contacts who work on cases like yours.
Use the story submission form, select the relevant follow-up option, and include an email address if you would like a connection.
Looking after yourself
What happened to you was not your fault. Discrimination and misconduct at work are common, and many people have been where you are.
Take care of your health through this. Lean on people you trust, and consider talking to a counselor or a support line if the stress is weighing on you. Pursuing a claim is a marathon, and you are allowed to set the pace.