Experiencing height discrimination and was fired after moving back to problematic department; what are my options?

Question

I have experienced several instances of height discrimination at my workplace. Initially, I was working with tables that were too tall for me, and my team lead dismissed my request for a different table by stating they were all the same. He later measured the tables and acknowledged a height difference but said it wasn't significant unless you were short. Another time, boxes were stacked too high for me to reach safely, and he insisted it was safe despite evidence to the contrary. This behavior included jokes and comments about height directed toward me and another coworker. After complaining, I was moved to another department where I worked without issues for a year, but upon returning to his department, the problems resumed. Within 2-3 weeks of returning, I was fired. What can I do about this situation?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Based on the information you've provided, your situation potentially involves workplace harassment, discrimination, and possible retaliation. While height is not explicitly listed as a protected characteristic under federal anti-discrimination laws, your treatment could potentially be actionable under several legal theories. The pattern of comments, jokes, and refusal to accommodate your height-related workplace needs could constitute harassment creating a hostile work environment, particularly if your height is related to sex, national origin, or disability (if your stature is significantly outside normal range). 
The timing of your termination—occurring within 2-3 weeks after returning to the department where you previously experienced problems and had filed complaints—strongly suggests possible retaliatory motivation. Retaliation for making good-faith complaints about workplace conditions is prohibited under various employment laws. The fact that you were able to work without issues in another department for a year demonstrates that you were capable of performing your job when not subjected to the problematic environment, which strengthens a potential retaliation claim. 
I recommend documenting all incidents of height-related comments and accommodation denials, including dates, witnesses, and any communications about these issues. File a complaint with your state's fair employment agency or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, typically within 180-300 days of the adverse action (termination). While pursuing administrative remedies, consider consulting with an employment attorney who can evaluate whether your state offers specific protections against height discrimination or whether your situation might be actionable under broader harassment or retaliation frameworks. Some states and municipalities have enacted broader protections than federal law provides, potentially including height as a protected characteristic, so local laws may offer additional avenues for legal recourse.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Q: Experiencing height discrimination and was fired after moving back to problematic department; what are my options?