Discrimination, Verbal Abuse, and Retaliation at Nonprofit—What Can I Do?

Location: California

I worked at a nonprofit for less than two months and experienced a hostile work environment—both toward staff and the community the organization is meant to serve.

Leadership, including my direct supervisor, engaged in discriminatory behavior—specifically transphobia, misogyny, racism, and ableism—toward students in the program. My boss frequently yelled at staff, made demeaning comments about current and former employees and students, and created an overall abusive atmosphere. Additionally, he and another leader lied on funding documents.

I spoke up on behalf of two students who were being mistreated, and a week later, I was terminated under California’s “at-will” employment rules—no reason was given.

I signed an NDA at the start of employment and have a copy, but it only includes my signature—not theirs. Does that impact its validity or enforceability?

On her last day, an intern shared concerns about the workplace being unsafe for women, citing favoritism, nepotism, and sexually explicit jokes made by my boss.

Would it be legally advisable—or at least impactful—to report this organization to their funders or oversight agencies?