Law Office Of Rod Bridgers

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Law Office Of Rod Bridgers

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Where Hawaii Comes For Help.

Stand Up Against Workplace Discrimination

Last updated on March 28, 2025

While many forms of discrimination are against the law, unfortunately, it still often occurs in Hawaii’s workplaces. When discrimination takes place in the workplace, you can feel powerless to stop it. Thankfully, with the help of an experienced employment law attorney, you can send a message that makes it clear that discrimination is not acceptable.

My name is Rod Bridgers, and I am a Hawaii attorney who has spent more than 38 years helping clients put an end to workplace discrimination. I do not tolerate discrimination in any form in my workplace, and neither should you.

Protected Classes

In order to help combat discrimination against employees, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination against workers due to their:

  • Age
  • Race
  • Pregnancy
  • Nation of origin
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Gender

If a colleague or employer should discriminate against you based on any of these features, seek help from an employment law attorney.

Protect Your Rights

As an employee, you have the right to stand up against workplace discrimination. I can help you prove your claim that you were the victim of workplace discrimination by assembling supporting evidence and witness testimonials of the behavior.

In the decades that I have been representing clients in workplace issues, I have come to understand that every client has a unique situation, and it is my duty to understand your individual needs before building a custom-tailored strategy to help you.

I am ready to exercise my skills in negotiation to settle this matter out of court. Still, if negotiations fail to provide the outcome you deserve, I will fight for your best interests in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many of my clients have questions about workplace discrimination and the legal process for addressing it. Below are answers to some common questions that may help you understand your situation better.

What should I do if I suspect workplace discrimination?

If you believe you are experiencing workplace discrimination, take these important steps:

  • Record dates, times, locations and names of witnesses
  • File complaints through your supervisor or HR department
  • Keep copies of all communications related to your situation
  • Review your employee handbook for internal complaint processes
  • Avoid discussing your case on social media or with coworkers
  • Contact an employment law attorney promptly for guidance

Taking these actions quickly helps protect your rights and strengthens any potential legal claim.

What evidence do I need to prove workplace discrimination?

Proving workplace discrimination typically requires both direct and circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence might include discriminatory statements or written communications from supervisors or colleagues. Circumstantial evidence often involves showing a pattern of disparate treatment compared to other employees not in your protected class. Valuable evidence includes employment records, performance reviews, promotion histories, pay information, disciplinary records, emails, text messages, witness statements and documentation of the timing between protected activities and adverse employment actions. Statistical evidence showing disparities in how protected groups are treated can also strengthen your case.

How long do I have to file a discrimination claim?

In Hawaii, you generally have 180 days from the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC). For federal claims, you typically have 300 days to file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if a state agency like HCRC also enforces the law. If you receive a right-to-sue letter from either agency, you then have 90 days to file a lawsuit in court. These deadlines are strictly enforced, and missing them usually means losing your right to pursue legal action.

Can I be fired for reporting workplace discrimination?

No, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for reporting discrimination. Federal and Hawaii state laws protect employees who engage in “protected activity,” which includes making internal discrimination complaints, filing charges with government agencies, participating in investigations or lawsuits, or opposing discriminatory practices. If you experience negative employment actions such as termination, demotion, reduction in hours, unfavorable reassignment or harassment after reporting discrimination, these actions may constitute illegal retaliation. These retaliatory actions can form the basis of a separate legal claim.

Let Me Fight For You

No one should ever have to worry about suffering from discrimination in their workplace. If you believe that you are the victim of workplace discrimination, act now to stop the behavior in its tracks.

My office is where Hawaii comes for help. If you are ready to schedule your initial consultation at Law Office of Rod Bridgers, LLLC, call 808-796-5650 or email me here to begin fighting back against discrimination.