You can be legally treated unfairly for all kinds of silly reasons: your eye color, your personality, or because your boss is a jerk, to name a few.

But there are some reasons for unfair treatment that the government makes illegal because they contradict a basic American principle that no one should be penalized for characteristics they were born with or can’t change — such as gender, race, ethnic background, age (over 40) and disabilities.

The federal government also outlaws discrimination that would interfere with important public rights such as religious or political freedom, union membership, eligibility for pension benefits, veteran status and bankruptcy.

Your state and local governments may protect additional characteristics such as marital status and sexual preference.

The most common type of discrimination claim is brought against public and private employers for job discrimination.