Is this discrimination

Unless you are a union employee or a highly paid executive with a written employment contract, you are an at-will employee and, as such, can be discharged at any time and for any reason, or even for no reason at all. The only thing that an employer may not do is make employment decisions based upon you being a member of a protected class. The protected classes are race, age (40+), sex, religion, national origin, or disability. Treating you differently from other employees isn't legally prohibited unless it is based on your being a protected class member. That is what is meant by illegal discrimination. To clarify, an employer can discriminate against its employees as much as it chooses on any basis EXCEPT the six (6) classes I already mentioned. I can legally discriminate against you because you are a Cubs fan, your taste in music, how you perform your job duties, etc. What I cannot do is discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age (40+), religion, national origin, or disability. In other words, showing favoritism isn't going to be a basis for a claim of illegal discrimination. If you believe that you were treated that way based on being a member of a protected class, or that you were retaliated against for asserting a legal right or whistleblowing, then you should schedule an appointment with a local employment attorney who primarily represents employees to discuss your case fully. It is important to act promptly because these cases have very short timeframes that are strictly enforced. Failure to meet those timeframes will preclude you from being able to proceed with your case. Most plaintiff employment attorneys take these cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you will have no upfront out-of-pocket expenses. Best of luck to you.