I Believe I Was Terminated Due To Pregnancy. What Actions Can I Take?

I (27f) am currently 6 and a half months pregnant. I usually work at a middle school with high functioning special needs children. Due to school being out in the summer, I took a temp job at a local summer camp working on a one to one ratio with high functioning special needs children, helping them through their day in camp. Basically the same thing I do at the school, but for a camp setting. I attended all the required trainings, went to all the meetings, etc. and everything seemed to be working out ok. 4 days into the position, I was pulled aside and told they have hired a replacement and they were letting me go. Their reasoning was that I was not performing the job I was hired to do and was not matching the energy of the environment. I asked them how I was not meeting these expectations and they could not give me a straight answer, just that I was no longer a fit for the position and they were letting me go. This was only 4 days since camp officially started. I tried explaining to them that I have been doing this type of work for 6 years and am always looking on ways to improve my performance. I tried telling them while I appreciate conversations like this being had, I feel immediate termination was unfair. They told me the decision had been made and there was nothing I could do. I was absolutely devastated as I have never been fired before.

I have reason to believe the real reason they fired me was because of my pregnancy and them not wanting to accommodate. The second day of training, I pulled my supervisor aside and told her I was pregnant but not due until the end of August so it shouldn’t affect my position since camp will have ended. I did tell her I needed a few minor accommodations (no heavy lifting, frequent bathroom breaks, and a chair to sit in while in activities.) I also mentioned some upcoming appointments I have regarding my pregnancy but mentioned how I scheduled them after or as close to the end of my shift as possible. The only reason I disclosed this information was to avoid being paired with a high needs kiddo. Not that I have an issue working with kids with those disabilities, it’s their needs can be more physically demanding, something iI can’t do at the moment. They seemed understanding however, their demeanor towards me changed almost immediately.

The next four days of camp I thought went well. The kid I was paired with was super independent and engaged very well with camp activities. He occasionally needed redirection in social situations and would occasionally ask to go on walks when things got a bit chaotic. Other than that, he was a great kid and I enjoyed working with him. I did spend more time sitting than the other counselors in the room due to my pregnancy, but I was always right there when needed. And yes, I did disclose to the counselors in my group I was pregnant so they should have known I was not being “lazy” Not once in the four days leading up to my termination did my supervisors pull me aside and let me know they had a problem with my performance.

I believe I was fired due to my pregnancy and them not wanting to accommodate. 1) they had four days to pull me aside and let me know they were unhappy with my performance and suggest ways to improve, they never did that. 2) I was informed they hired a replacement for me that was going to start the next day. Based on how long the hiring process averages, I have reason to believe they started looking for my replacement as soon as I told them 3) their demeanor towards me changed almost immediately when I told them. Almost seemed like they were disgusted (this is a religious based camp and while I am engaged, I am not married, not that they would have known that.) 4) I knew me being pregnant could be somewhat controversial so I never mentioned it to the kids since we are supposed to be role models. I am plus sized so I actually do not look 6 months pregnant. I made sure to only mention it to adults when no kids were present, but somehow, they knew. I feel confidentially was violated somehow. 5) I double checked the employee handbook I was given upon hiring and it basically states only a few things can lead to immediate termination. Basically hurting someone or a child or putting a kid in a potentially dangerous situation. Both I know didn’t happen.

I guess I’m basically looking for advice on what my next steps are. I already filed an unemployment claim against them and have sent an email to their HR rep. Do I have grounds to file a wrongful termination claim?