Prior to my layoff, there was an unprofessional incident between my boss and I. I filed a formal complaint against my boss, three days later, I was laid off without notice.

Although, I had repeatedly requested that HR be involved with any communication between my boss and myself, at every request for HR, my boss denied them and proceeded to do the things excluding me and my HR altogether.

Is this legal?

Depends on the size and nature of your company. Plus ANY question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area. You should go over your boss's head and speak to the director of HR.

DC. University workplace (well over 1,000 employees)

HR knows and seems to be shocked.

At this point, you no longer discuss or talk to your boss about it or anything,

Also not sure what type of "incident" happened, that can change some answers.

But you go to the Department head and the HR department, if things may end up in law suit, you may want to start talking to the legal department

Who formally laid you off?

Ballen, the boss.

Fr. Chuck -- I've already contacted the department of labor. There's no unions in our line of work and HR is dropping the ball..