What Are My Rights If I Face Retaliation for Reporting Criminal Activity at Work?

Understanding your workplace rights when reporting criminal activity can help protect you from retaliation.

Retaliation Protections Under U.S. Law

In the U.S., employees are protected from retaliation under various laws when they report illegal activities, including criminal conduct. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, for example, prohibits retaliation against employees who engage in protected activities, such as reporting discrimination or harassment. This protection extends to employees who report criminal activities if they believe they are acting in the interest of public safety.

The U.S. Supreme Court has established that retaliation claims can arise when an employee faces adverse employment actions after reporting misconduct. For instance, in *Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co. v. White*, the Court held that an employee must demonstrate that a reasonable person would find the employer's actions materially adverse, meaning it could dissuade a reasonable worker from making or supporting a charge of discrimination. This principle can apply to other forms of retaliation as well, including actions taken against employees who report criminal activities.

Disclaimer: Receipts.law is not a law firm. This is general legal information, not advice, and is not a substitute for consulting a licensed attorney in your state. Statutes, deadlines, protected categories, and remedies vary by jurisdiction and the specific facts. Any case names are cited only for what the court actually held; nothing here predicts how a court would rule on your facts. Consult an attorney before acting.