When you feel like you’re being treated unfairly at work because of your race, gender, religion, or any other protected characteristic, you might be facing discrimination. Here’s how you can identify and prove discrimination in the California workplace.
Understanding Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination is an unjust or prejudiced treatment of employees based on certain protected characteristics. It’s illegal in California and covers a broad range of categories, from age, race, and gender to sexual orientation, disability status, and marital status, among others. This discrimination can manifest in a variety of ways. For example, it can occur during the hiring process, with certain candidates being unfairly disadvantaged. It can also impact salary decisions, where individuals with the same role and experience may receive different pay based on protected characteristics. Moreover, discrimination can influence promotions and terminations, creating an unjust professional environment.
Legal Protections Against Discrimination
There are several federal laws in place to protect individuals from workplace discrimination. Key examples include the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prevents discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older.
In addition to these federal protections, California has its own robust state laws against discrimination. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act provides extensive protections against discrimination in the workplace. If these laws are violated, the enforcement falls under the California Civil Rights Department.
Signs of Discrimination at Work
Recognizing discrimination in the workplace can sometimes be challenging. While some instances are overt, such as derogatory comments or explicit exclusion based on a protected characteristic, others can be more subtle. Subtle discrimination could look like being consistently overlooked for promotions, despite equivalent or superior performance to peers who are being promoted. It could also present as disparate treatment, where you’re held to different standards or face different consequences compared to similar coworkers. A hostile work environment, such as continuous offhand comments, jokes, or actions targeting a protected characteristic, can also be a sign of discrimination.
Steps to Prove Discrimination
If you believe you’re facing discrimination, taking detailed notes is a crucial first step. Document each incident, capturing as much detail as possible, including dates, locations, the people involved, and what transpired.
Next, report these incidents to your HR department or another appropriate authority within your company, according to the company’s policy. This reporting allows the company the opportunity to address the issue internally.
The Role of Legal Counsel
Legal counsel can be invaluable when you’re facing workplace discrimination. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, understand your rights, and build a solid case. They can assist in gathering necessary evidence, drafting and filing legal documents, and providing representation in any negotiations or court proceedings if necessary.
At Moore Ruddell LLP, our Las Angeles discrimination lawyers are dedicated to providing the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. We offer free consultations to ensure you have access to the information and advice you need, regardless of your situation.