It may not have intended to be discrimination, but the act of denial was de facto a discriminatory act, and as such is covered by law. Since males don't generally breastfeed, it is also gender ("sex") -based discrimination as defined under the US Civil Rights Act of 1964 and resulting decisions. In particular, gender-based discrimination is prohibited by U.S. Code Title 42, Chapter 21, that "prohibits discrimination against persons based on age, disability, gender, race, national origin, and religion (among other things) in a number of settings -- including education, employment, access to businesses and buildings, federal services, and more."
US should get a dope slap to make sure employees are properly trained (the law requires the company to prevent further instances as well as address the existing one). A formal complaint with the data required by the complaint tesolution authority the OP chooses and a copy to them would likely be that slap.
The OP may slso choose not to join that battle, but merely asing for compensation is likely to render some miles and no corrective action to prevent further instances.
Last edited by JDiver; Oct 7, 2014 at 11:49 am