Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), it is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, harass, or otherwise “retaliate” against employees or applicants because they filed a charge of discrimination, complained to their employer or other covered entity about discrimination on the job, or participated in an employment discrimination proceeding (such as an investigation or lawsuit).

For example, it is illegal for an employer to refuse to promote an employee because he or she filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), even if the EEOC later determined that no discrimination occurred.

The law forbids retaliation when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.