FEHA and federal Title VII prohibit discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, or national origin in hiring, firing, pay, promotion, training, discipline, and every other term or condition of employment. California also prohibits discrimination based on traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles under the CROWN Act.
Race discrimination claims include disparate treatment (intentional discrimination), disparate impact (facially neutral policies that disproportionately harm a protected group), race-based harassment, hostile work environments, and retaliation for complaining about race discrimination.
Available remedies include lost wages and benefits, emotional distress damages, attorneys’ fees, and — where the employer acted with malice, fraud, or oppression — punitive damages.
If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your race or ethnicity, contact us immediately.