California Discrimination Attorneys

Posted on Wednesday August 12, 2020

Employment laws are critical to provide rights for employees and ensure that employers do not abuse a position of power. Some of the most important employment laws protect employees from certain types of discrimination by their employers. Anti-discrimination laws exist on both the federal and state levels, and they are enforced by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). 

The law provides employees who suffer unlawful discrimination the right to hold their employers accountable for harm caused. Discrimination can be difficult to identify and prove, however, so it is important to seek help from our experienced California discrimination employment lawyers at Mara Law Firm. Contact us to discuss your situation today. 

Laws prohibit adverse employment decisions or actions against employees that are based on any of the following factors:

• Race and color
• Ancestry and national origin
• Religion and creed
• Age (for those over 40)
• Disability, mental and physical
• Sex or gender, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity and gender expression
• Medical condition
• Genetic information
• Marital status
• Military or veteran status

Two of the most common types of discrimination are based on sex and race. Sex discrimination comes in many forms, including having different standards for employees of different sexes, paying women less than men for the same work, and more. Some types of sex discrimination are so ingrained in workplaces that it can be challenging to realize when it is occurring. 

Race discrimination is still common in workplaces across California and the United States. Social and racial justice movements might serve to increase this type of discrimination in certain work environments, and it is important to remember that this conduct is unacceptable and illegal. If you believe that you experienced harm from unlawful conduct by your employes, speak with our California race discrimination lawyers.

Forms of Discrimination

Discrimination can involve any type of adverse employment decision or otherwise treating members of a protected class unfairly. Some examples of discriminatory conduct by an employer include:

• Refusing to hire someone due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation
• Having policies that impact black employees differently than employees of other races
• Not promoting a more-qualified candidate due to an accent
• Not allowing certain employees to wear natural hairstyles, such as afros or locks
• Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for an employee’s disability or religious practice
• Not providing required accommodations for pregnant women or women who recently gave birth
• Firing someone because they revealed they are transgender

Discrimination laws also prohibit workplace harassment based on protected factors. The most common example of this is sexual harassment, and employers must take steps to prevent a hostile work environment caused by such offensive conduct. 

Finally, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who complain of possible discrimination or harassment. If you believe your supervisor engaged in unlawful discrimination, you have the right to take action without being terminated or experiencing other adverse employment actions. 

Have a California Discrimination Lawyer Evaluate Your Rights

The Mara Law Firm is dedicated to standing up for employees who have their rights violated in California. These cases can be complicated, but our discrimination attorneys know how to hold employers liable for unlawful conduct. Call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online for more information today.