If an employer treats you poorly or even yells at one particular employee more than the others, this does not constitute the type of hostile work environment that is actionable under the discrimination laws. Actually, the harassment must be related to and motivated by the fact that the victim belongs to a protected class (i.e., race, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, etc.) Moreover, you should remember that the fact that your employer is abusive does not constitute an actionable claim by itself.

It is illegal under both federal and state law to discriminate in the "terms or conditions of employment" on the basis of a person's race or creed. As a rule, employment actions or harassment because of race are considered to be a violation of civil rights.

Race/creed discrimination may occur at any stage of employment, including the initial hiring decision, promotions, layoffs, compensation, benefits, job assignments, training, or termination of employment. It may be manifested through racist comments or harassment at work. Race/creed discrimination may be based upon any racial characteristic such as skin, eye or hair color, and certain facial features.