Work discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly in the course of their employment or application for employment based on race, sex, disability, age, pregnancy, religion or another status that is protected by state or federal law. Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating in their recruiting processes, hiring practices, job evaluations, promotion policies, training opportunities, compensation or discipline policies and practices. Some state laws may expand the employees who are protected by anti discrimination laws and the employment activities in which they are protected. Work discrimination allegations may be heard in federal or state courts or by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or similar state agency.